STEM – Opportunities in aviation & aerospace
Who are the CAA, and what is STEM?
The CAA is short for the Civil Aviation Authority. We help to keep the skies above us here in the UK safe.
It is our job make sure people who fly all sorts of aircraft, including planes, drones, hot-air balloons, helicopters, gliders, rockets, and even model aeroplanes, are trained and follow important safety rules and regulations.
Another part of our job is to make sure airlines are secure and follow the highest safety standards. We also work to keep people safe and secure on the ground in airports and aerodromes, and we help people get home from trips abroad when things go wrong through our ATOL Protected scheme.
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. The CAA have their own STEM programme to help inspire the skills you’ll need if you’re thinking about an exciting career up in the sky or keeping people safe on the ground.
Explore CAA STEM
STEM – Opportunities in aviation & aerospace
We want to inspire and engage with young people to explore careers in STEM, aviation and aerospace to support and encourage their future career choices.
Aviation and aerospace needs to be ready for the future and we need different talent, ideas and values to make that happen. We need talented people like you.
We are committed to supporting the ambitions and interests of everyone to create opportunities which are inclusive and engaging for all.
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Career Quiz
Aviation and aerospace needs to be ready for the future and we need different talent, ideas and values to make that happen – we need talented people like you. If you are thinking about a career in aviation or aerospace, why not take this quiz to see what careers might be suitable to you.
ExploreDuke of Edinburgh’s Award
The CAA is a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award approved activity provider (AAP) in the skills category. This is a part of our overall STEM programme to inspire young people to have a career in the vast and ever-growing world of aviation.
We offer actvities to fit all skills timeframes in Bronze, Silver and Gold level to help you complete the award.
Each of our skills activities will last for a minimum of three months.
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Virtual work experience 2025
Back for its fourth year, the CAA’s Virtual Work Experience Programme proved to be even bigger and better than the last.
This initiative provided thousands of young people from across the UK with the opportunity to gain invaluable insights into the industry through this dynamic virtual work experience platform.
Throughout the programme, students were exposed to a diverse range of roles spanning various areas of the business, as well as participating in engaging activities and attending live webinars with industry experts to help get their careers off to a flying start.
The on demand service is now live to apply for 2025.
ExploreEducational resources
The CAA STEM site is home to free-to-access resources to support the teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects with an Aviation and Aerospace theme.
These resource offer fun-filled activities and clear pathways to the aviation and aerospace industry careers where students can discover and ignite their curiosity in aviation and space.
The CAA STEM Programme is a way for students, teachers, parents, and industry to interact with aviation and aerospace.
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CAA STEM Programme Turns 5
What began in June 2020 as a virtual response to the pandemic has since evolved into a dynamic, nationwide initiative. Over the past five years, the programme has inspired the next generation in science, technology, engineering, and maths, with a particular focus on aviation and aerospace.
From launching virtual work experience opportunities to developing Aviation Skills Activities for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, we’ve engaged thousands of students in meaningful, real-world learning. Our dedicated STEM website and strong industry partnerships have been key to this success.
But most importantly, at the heart of this programme are our people.
STEM Events
