Credit: BAmedia /  These kids at BA’s career event are in a flight deck simulator where they were given the opportunity to “fly” around London and “land” into Heathrow Terminal 5.

DIPLOMATIC TIMES STAFF

More than 1,500 children in London were given a unique insight into a career in aviation when they attended a careers event hosted by British Airways and KidZania. The two-day event saw them take the controls of an aircraft and try out the airline’s safety demonstration with cabin crew. The British Airways Aviation Academy is the most popular activity with children visiting KidZania, and the behind-the-scenes, hands-on training aims to both inspire and enthuse children about future careers they might previously not have considered.  Mel Kose, British Airways’ Community Education Manager said that events like this aim to inspire and excite young girls to see a career as a pilot to be an achievable goal and to pursue STEM subjects at school:

“We’re delighted that so many students attended the event, which is just one of many initiatives we offer to inspire children and young girls to enter a STEM career. Last year 600 students took part in our work experience programme across 30 departments at British Airways, and this year we will host more young people than ever before. We’ve also introduced ‘Teacher Take-Off Days’, with teachers taking part in one-day work experience sessions and taking their learnings back to the classroom. Plus, we’ve launched a scheme we call Your Flying Future, where we regularly run events for children to meet our pilots, to encourage them to feel that this is a career available to them.”

Credit: BA /  More than 1,500 children from 19 schools visited the Aviation Academy at the two-day careers fair.

Goodyers End Primary School in Bedworth, Warwickshire was one of almost 20 schools that attended the event at KidZania. Year 6 Teacher Adele Johnson said:

“Lots of our children will have never even been a passenger on a plane before, let alone thought about a career in aviation, so this event provides an invaluable opportunity to inspire the children and raise their aspirations for the future – coming to KidZania is one of the most important things we do all year.”

Credit: BA / British Airways teamed up with KidZania in Westfield to inspire children to pursue a career in aviation

Rachel Woods, Head of Brands Development at KidZania London, said:

“The British Airways A319 aeroplane is a big hit in the city, and it was fantastic to have ambassadors offering insights into their careers through a STEM-based interactive activity. The workshop offered hands-on opportunities to support and inspire key-stage 1-3 children through real life experiences”.

The airline’s customers currently enjoy 15% off their visit to the Aviation Academy. 

All year round KidZania offer children the opportunity to explore a city ran by children, blending learning and reality with entertainment.  The centre encourages children to test their skills in a variety of professions, including the London Fire Brigade, The Metro newspaper and The Metropolitan Police.

For opening hours and to book tickets please visit www.KidZania.co.uk