===========================================<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Youth and Education Support: Inspiring the Next Generation in Aviation<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 18th YES Gathering and Its Purpose<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Youth and Education Support (YES) is preparing to host its 18th annual gathering to be held at The Aviator Hotel, Sywell Airport, UK on Sat 18th<\/sup> April 2026. Aimed at showcasing effective approaches to encouraging young people to explore aviation, whether as a pastime or as a professional pursuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further information about the Education Summit will soon be available on the YES website, providing details for those interested in attending or learning more about the initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More than two decades ago, it became evident that the United Kingdom was facing difficulties in recruiting individuals to fill roles, particularly within aviation but also across various sectors. Recognising the severity of this issue, YES identified the need for concerted action and began raising awareness, a message they have consistently communicated ever since using the Safety Culture associated with aviation<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite ongoing efforts, the central question remains: what steps can industry take to reverse these recruitment trends? YES maintains that the solution lies in a coordinated educational approach, supporting and mentoring young people throughout their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The lack of a broad, sustained effort in the UK has hindered the development of motivation among young people to actively engage in positive community activities. YES believes that everyone should be involved in fostering this enthusiasm, beginning from the earliest stages of childhood, even before children are out of nappies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The members of YES are dedicated to making a difference and bringing joy to young people. Volunteers frequently visit playschools, introducing aviation-themed toys that captivate children and are well received by community leaders such as vicars and youth organisers. This early exposure often leads to families choosing aviation-related gifts for birthdays and Christmas, further reinforcing children\u2019s interest in aerospace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n YES volunteers also engage with primary schools, sharing the history and progress of flight. Through these activities, they encourage children to believe in their ability to make a difference and to enjoy creative pursuits like building models, drawing, or writing poetry about aviation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Engagement continues with both male and female youth groups and schools, where focused activities such as STEM or STEAM programmes take place. These often include the awarding of merit badges or prizes in recognition of achievement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By the teenage years, the aim is for this passion to be well established and self-sustaining, motivating young people to strive for bursaries and scholarships (in aviation) All of these efforts serve as essential building blocks to help close the skills gap within the aviation industry while instilling transferable life skills nationwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n =============================================<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is the latest Summary of the 2026 YES Youth Summit<\/p>\n\n\n The 18th<\/sup> Youth Aviation Summit organised by YES <\/p>\n\n\n\n Saturday 18th <\/sup>April 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Theme this year is<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Help Deliver what we believe in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Entry is free to delegates who must preregister<\/p>\n\n\n\n The venue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Aviator, Cirrus Suite, Sywell Aerodrome, Northants.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Registration is also invited for Speakers about Education & Opportunities in the aerospace sector<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Programme will include information and guidance on a wide range of aviation-related activities, careers for young people and especially Young Aviator Flights. Eg where to find a pilot and the support which is available for them to take place via a number of established organisations.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There will be opportunities to find out about<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Young Aviators Flying, Airfield Activity Days <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Bursaries and Grants<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Build-a-Plane Projects Flying Cadets<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Gliding Opportunities <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Models and Model Flying with the BMFA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Scout Aviation Activities, Air-Scouts and Camps<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Specialist Resources and Projects<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Training Opportunities for aviation-related jobs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n An important aspect of the day will be opportunities to talk with those who deliver these activities, and networking.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00a0Lunch will be available<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n =============================================<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n All sponsors for the event are welcome to get in contact with YES, or if you would like to know more or even present at the event, please get in contact as soon as you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Please register<\/strong> at \u2013 Register for 2026 YES Youth Summit<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n ===========================================<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n YES working with World War 1 Heritage Trust<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n ===========================================<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dick Forsythe has got enough funding to offer some Educational Days to Primary Schools in Essex in 2026. <\/p>\n\n\n He would like more volunteers (see those pictured) to help him bring it all to fruition in 2026. YES Members The Twins, Willie, Stewart Luck and Peter Merrifield are all part of the team, but more volunteers are always welcome to help out.<\/p>\n\n\n If you are DBS approved and have spare time and an interest in being a “Classroom Presenter” please e mail –dick.forsythe@ww1aviationheritagetrust.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n ===========================================<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aviation Activity Day at Audley End<\/strong><\/em> – <\/p>\n\n\n\n Saturday 27th September 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ===========================================<\/p>\n\n\n\n Audley End Airfield, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden CB11 4BS<\/p>\n\n\n\n ===========================================<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Young adults get hands on at the aviation activity day<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Little people push little planes<\/p>\n\n\n\n O<\/p>\n\n\n\n We even had help from the hangar woofer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n A look around the cockpit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Pre-flight checks on the Cessna 170.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Navigation Training with Jim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Making YES paper planes to teach flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Some followed the instructions correctly, showing the YES logo and ready for flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n IMT apprentices explaining how a damaged fuselage is repaired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n YES member Willie Harrison leads a tour round Vintage Fabrics hangar, a rare treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n The attendees were of varying age groups, which worked very well for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n This pose is to show off the young lady on the wall behind!!.<\/p>\n\n\n\n De Havilland 82A Tiger Moth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Showing the inverted Gypsy Major engine off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Willie in full flow, to a fully attentive audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Aircraft recognition lesson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n A talk on how and where to learn to fly and the scholarships available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n A Hawker biplane restoration. Great stuff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ==================================================<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We look forward to seeing you at the next YES Aviation Activity Day at Audley End in 2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n ===================================================<\/p>\n\n\n\n Schools Careers Event<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tuesday 18th November 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ===========================================<\/p>\n\n\n\n Saffron Walden County High School hosted the event, bringing in all the senior schools from the Uttlesford area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Careers Day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Giving students aviation careers advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Andrew passing on his wealth of aviation wisdom and advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Talking with Teachers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 2026 YES Youth Summit -Saturday 18th April 2026 =========================================== Youth and Education Support: Inspiring the Next Generation in Aviation The 18th YES Gathering and Its Purpose Youth and Education Support (YES) is preparing to host its 18th annual gathering to be held at The Aviator Hotel, Sywell Airport, UK on Sat 18th April 2026. Aimed … Continue reading 2026 – YES Youth Summit<\/span> Upcoming Education Summit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Background: Addressing Recruitment Challenges in the UK<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ongoing Challenges and Industry\u2019s Role<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Need for a Long-Term, Widespread Approach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
YES\u2019s Community Engagement and Volunteer Activities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Inspiring the Next Generation Through Schools<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Continued Support Through Youth and School Programmes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Building Lasting Passion and Bridging the Skills Gap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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