NATS partners with youth organisation, Fantasy Wings

A career development programme, which inspires people from under-represented backgrounds to consider a future in the aviation industry, has partnered with the UK’s leading air navigation services provider, NATS. 

Established by Jackson Smith in 2019, Fantasy Wings gives Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic young people a platform to enter and excel in the aviation industry through expert-led workshops, conferences, mentoring and live flight training.   

As part of Fantasy Wings’ career development programme, NATS will support events with speakers to offer insight into the exciting world of Air Traffic Management, as well as providing participants with on-site work experience days (when social distancing restrictions allow) and facilitating mock interview sessions to assist with career development.  

The Fantasy Wings programme has gained significant attention, with yearly applications surpassing 10,000 individuals and the membership consisting of 1000+ participants across the UK. Participants are typically aged between 13 and 25 years old. 

Katie Foster, NATS’ Head of People Services, commented: “We are really excited to be working with Fantasy Wings, an incredible organisation which echoes the values we encourage within our workforce at NATS.  

 “This partnership will help improve NATS ability to reach a more diverse pool of talent and for us to showcase the fantastic career opportunities we have to offer.” 

Jackson Smith, Founder, Fantasy Wings, said: “One of the biggest problems facing the aviation industry is a lack of diversity. As a young Black man who battled adversity en route to gaining my career in aviation I was determined to make it easier for other young Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people and women to access the same opportunities I fought to get. 

 “We are incredibly grateful for the support of NATS and other industry leaders for believing in our programme. The opportunities that this partnership brings us are invaluable.” 

NATS has recently launched its Early Careers 2022 campaign, providing opportunities for individuals to join us on graduate, undergraduate and apprenticeship programmes across a variety of different business areas.  Fantasy Wings will be assisting our attraction campaign for these schemes and promoting the opportunities available to their networks.  

Find out more about Fantasy Wings at www.fantasywings.co.uk