Low-cost airline easyJet has teamed up with social enterprise Stemettes to encourage more young women to become engineers.
With recent data showing that women make up just 15% of engineering apprentices in England, the airline says it wants to inspire more to consider the career and apply for its 2025 Aeronautical Engineering Apprenticeship programme
With a fleet of over 340 modern Airbus A320 family aircraft, easyJet recruits 40 engineering apprentices a year to become licensed aircraft mechanics.
The fully-funded programme, which is now open for aspiring engineers, provides a competitive apprenticeship salary and bonus, as well as free meals and accommodation during the initial phase of training. Within two years, apprentices will gain the skills needed to be a licensed mechanic and ready to become a full-time member of the airline’s engineering team.
Through initiatives to drive greater awareness of the profession for everyone, including visits to schools and colleges and working with specialist partners like the Stemettes, easyJet hopes to help raise awareness of the profession and, through the experiences of female role models, inspire the next generation of engineering professionals.
Stemettes works to inspire, support and encourage girls, young women and non-binary young people into technical fields, to show that STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) is for everyone.
Katie Edney, easyJet former engineering apprentice and licenced mechanic, said: “easyJet has been brilliant at giving me a flying start to become a professional engineer. It’s a hugely challenging, offering great opportunities, which I would recommend to anyone.
“It is definitely a pathway I would encourage other women to consider, to pursue a career in aviation, and shows how we can challenge traditional role models.”
Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE, head Stemette and Stemettes chief executive, said: “Engineering is everywhere and we’re all about ensuring young people can make informed decisions about their future. There are so many options – why not start your career with an apprenticeship?”
easyJet recently launched a new campaign to recruit more military veterans, supporting initiatives to help them transition into rewarding careers, including as engineers. As part of the drive, it joined forces with SAS hero and best-selling author Andy McNab to support the launch of weServed, a platform to create a clear pathway for veterans looking for a new roles.
Aspiring engineers can find more information about easyJet’s 2025 Aeronautical Apprenticeship programme online.
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