Big Bang at Parliament

The UK needs up to 725,000 new jobs by 2030 to close the skills gap needed to achieve net zero. Engaging young people in STEM is vital. Did you know that those involved in at least one STEM careers activity are 3.4 times more likely to consider a career in engineering. To meet this demand, we must inspire more young people, from diverse backgrounds, to explore the wide range of STEM careers and pathways.

The Big Bang Competition plays a key role in this effort, celebrating and rewarding young talent in STEM. Participants gain valuable skills such as, data analysis, resilience, creativity, and communication, through project-based work. All while exploring potential STEM careers. Many winners have gone on to represent the UK in global STEM events, present at conferences, and share their achievements on TV and radio.

The CAA supported the Big Bang Competition this year with our first ever CAA Future in Aviation Award. This award shines a spotlight on young innovators pushing the boundaries of creativity and problem-solving in aviation, drones, and space exploration. From designing cutting-edge aircraft to improving passenger and crew experiences and tackling the challenges of our busy airspace and beyond. These projects showcase the future of flight.

We’re especially excited by ideas that make aviation safer, more sustainable, and inclusive, transforming the industry for generations to come.

Some project ideas include:

Finding ways to make it easier for people with specific needs to fly or work in the aviation industry e.g., designing aircraft, building runways and launchpads and helping to manage air traffic.

Researching and developing greener practices in the aviation industry e.g., developing alternative fuels for planes, improving air traffic control systems, and making airports more sustainable.

Designing and improving drones to help benefit the community.

Exploring how we use space and manage rocket launches and satellites. 

We successfully selected our winning project: Accessible travel: is AI the future? Which was awarded to Year 8 student Betsy Ellis from Invicta Grammar School at the Big Bang Fair on 19 June 2024.

Betsy Ellis was then invited to showcase her winning entry at the Big Bang at Parliament event held in the House of Commons on Monday 18 November. Hosted by Toby Perkins MP with EngineeringUK, the event celebrated talented young scientists and engineers of the future. Who had the opportunity to showcase their impressive projects and hear from Toby Perkins MP, Chief Executive Engineering UK Dr Hilary Leevers as well as the winner of the Big Bang Competition UK Young Engineer of the Year award 2024.

The CAA STEM Team is incredibly proud of this opportunity, we are truly making a difference to young people’s lives and in turn the future of this aviation industry.