The Mason Foundation is proud to announce it has been awarded £30,000 in government funding through the Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund to deliver Propel Aviation. This is an exciting 12-month programme opening pathways into aviation careers for neurodivergent young people across Greater Manchester.
Delivered in partnership with The Air League, Propel Aviation will support 30 neurodivergent young people aged 13–25 to explore meaningful, high-skilled careers in aviation. The programme responds to both the aviation sector’s growing skills shortage and the significant employment gap faced by neurodivergent people, where just 4.8% of learning-disabled adults and 16% of autistic adults are in paid employment.
Participants will take part in monthly workshops building aviation knowledge and employability skills, alongside hands-on aviation experiences including gliding days, flight simulators and behind-the-scenes tours of Manchester Airport. Young people will also develop vocational profiles, strength-based CVs and practise interviews with aviation professionals.
A flagship element of the programme is The Innovator’s Challenge, delivered by The Air League, which positions participants as future aviation problem-solvers. Young people will develop solutions focused on sustainable aviation, from alternative propulsion to sustainable fuels. Finalists will present their ideas at the Sustainable Skies World Summit.
Alongside direct delivery, Propel Aviation will train 8 Propel mentors within schools and colleges, creating long-term, sustainable impact. These mentors will continue supporting future cohorts beyond the funded year, reaching an estimated 120 additional students annually.
Rosie Whitehead, Chief Operating Officer at The Mason Foundation, said:
“Propel Aviation is about far more than careers advice, it’s about changing expectations, systems and outcomes. Too many neurodivergent young people are locked out of industries full of opportunity, despite having exactly the skills those sectors need. This funding allows us to combine our inclusive Propel model with The Air League’s exceptional aviation expertise, creating real, lasting pathways into employment while inspiring young people to see themselves as innovators and leaders in aviation.”
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather, said:
“Alongside securing the future of the aviation industry, this is about ensuring young people from all backgrounds can see and learn about the varied and often highly skilled jobs and future opportunities that will deliver growth across the country.”
The funding forms part of a £750,000 national investment announced by the Department for Transport to inspire young people from all backgrounds into aviation careers. The Mason Foundation was specifically recognised for its work supporting neurodivergent young people in Manchester.
Propel Aviation will work closely with Greater Manchester schools, colleges and community partners, prioritising settings with high levels of disadvantage and ensuring families and carers are fully engaged throughout the programme.
If you’re a school, college or community organisation interested in getting involved, please get in touch
