This National Engineering Day, easyJet has teamed up with the award-winning social enterprise Stemettes to encourage more young women to consider a career in engineering. The collaboration aims to raise awareness of the opportunities within the aviation industry, particularly in aircraft maintenance, and highlight the importance of diversity in engineering fields.
With a fleet of over 340 modern Airbus A320 aircraft, easyJet plays a key role in the aviation sector. Each year, the airline recruits 40 engineering apprentices to join their team as licensed aircraft mechanics. This apprenticeship program offers more than just training – it provides a competitive salary, and performance-based bonuses, and covers the cost of meals and accommodation during the initial phase of training.
Over two years, successful apprentices gain the skills and qualifications required to become fully licensed aircraft engineers. By the end of the program, apprentices are ready to take on full-time roles within easyJet’s engineering team.
easyJet’s partnership with Stemettes is part of a wider effort to encourage greater awareness of engineering as a career choice, particularly for young women. Through school and college visits, as well as collaborations with other specialist organizations, easyJet aims to inspire more female students to pursue careers in aviation and STEM fields. The goal is to challenge stereotypes and show that engineering is for everyone.
Stemettes is a social enterprise dedicated to supporting girls, young women, and non-binary people in exploring careers in technical fields. They are committed to making STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths) accessible to all, particularly by showcasing the experiences of female role models who are already succeeding in these industries.
Katie Edney, a former easyJet engineering apprentice who is now a licensed mechanic at the airline, shared her experience: “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 CEO added: “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?”
