easyJet is launching a major cabin crew recruitment drive targeting young people who are not in employment, education or training. The airline plans to hire almost 1,000 new cabin crew members for 2026, encouraging young adults and school leavers to apply for positions that require no minimum educational qualifications.
The initiative offers particular opportunities for young Londoners, as easyJet's UK training academy is based at Gatwick Airport. This location provides accessible training for those in the capital and surrounding areas.
Addressing career misconceptions
Research commissioned by easyJet revealed significant misconceptions about aviation careers among young people. A survey of 2,000 people aged 16 to 24 found that more than nine in 10 were unaware that no minimum educational qualifications are required to become cabin crew.
Two-thirds of respondents believed they would be under-qualified for cabin crew training, despite the absence of formal educational requirements. As a result, almost nine in 10 young people surveyed had never considered a career working for an airline.
Industry and government support
Michael Brown, director of cabin services at easyJet, said: "We want to show young people that being cabin crew is more than just a job - it's a career filled with variety, teamwork and opportunity, which has so much to offer to so many people as well as offering a pathway to progress in working within our wider industry too."
He added: "If you have enthusiasm, people skills and a willingness to learn something new, our taster sessions could be the perfect first step towards a new opportunity."
Aviation minister Mike Kane welcomed the initiative, stating: "It's fantastic to see British firm easyJet investing in our young people, encouraging and inspiring them into careers in aviation. We are determined to break down barriers to opportunity in the UK to deliver our Plan for Change so everyone can pursue and progress in rewarding careers."
Sources used: "MyLondon", "The Standard", "Independent", "Liverpool Echo" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
