easyJet has relaunched its “Generation easyJet Pilot Training Programme,” aimed at boosting diversity in the aviation sector. This initiative seeks to train 1,000 new pilots by 2028, addressing the gender imbalance within the industry. Currently, women make up only 6% of pilots globally, a statistic easyJet is determined to change.
The program is designed to take aspiring pilots from basic to co-pilot status in roughly two years. It includes ground school in Europe and flight training in the USA, culminating in graduates joining easyJet as co-pilots. The course is open to candidates with at least five GCSEs and a proficiency in English, lowering barriers to entry and encouraging a broader range of applicants.
easyJet’s efforts have shown progress, with 7.5% of its UK pilots being women, slightly above the national average. These initiatives include targeted recruitment campaigns and outreach to pilot schools, which have been integral in challenging the prevailing stereotypes and misconceptions about piloting as a career.
The airline continues to prioritize diversity, recognizing its value in enhancing team dynamics and decision-making in the cockpit.
So…:
What educational programs can you develop that actively focus on diversity?
Source & Picture: