Girls in Cornwall to Work on a Real Spitfire as Aviation Programme Takes Off

Four-part aviation and aerospace skills programme launches with UK first county-wide rollout

Cornwall-based social enterprise TECwomen CIC has been awarded funding for the second year in a row from the Department for Transport and the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s Reach For The Sky Challenge Fund – this time for a major expansion of its aviation-focused programme aimed at girls.

The 2025 rollout transforms the successful Reach For The Sky Festival into a broader four-part programme spanning primary school clubs, secondary school workshops, and hands-on industry experience, making it the first of its kind across any county in the UK.

“TECwomen are inspiring the next generation of female aviation and aerospace professionals in a fun-filled, impactful style. We can’t wait to see what summer brings,” said Rikki-Louise Davies, Skills Lead at the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Festival Heads to Spaceport Cornwall

In 2024, the festival was held at RNAS Culdrose and sold out, welcoming more than 650 people. In 2025, it returns on 5th July, but in a new location – Spaceport Cornwall – offering attendees a front row seat to aircraft taking off and landing at Newquay Airport.

This year’s festival promises even more. Families will find real aircraft and their pilots, over 20 hands-on stands from aviation and tech companies, a VR zone, and a picnic space by the runway.

Secondary School Challenge

In autumn 2025, the Take Flight Challenge will bring together 100 Year 9 girls from secondary schools across Cornwall. Participants will dive into aerospace engineering through practical workshops and teamwork tasks, designing their own aircraft to be 3D printed.

Primary School Clubs Launched

Also beginning in autumn, 10 primary schools across Cornwall will host Take Flight Clubs, engaging 100 girls in weekly aviation-themed challenges over 10 weeks. Participants will learn about pioneering women in aviation and serve as Reach for the Sky Mentors in their schools.

Rare Work Experience on a Spitfire

In a standout opportunity, 10 girls aged 16–18 will get the chance to work on a real-life Spitfire during an Aviation Work Experience Week with The Parnall Group. The programme will develop engineering skills in a professional setting, potentially leading to future apprenticeships.

Giving Back to Local Communities

All profits from adult festival tickets will go to Cornwall Air Ambulance and a local veterans’ group who will assist with event marshalling.

“We’re thrilled to expand this programme across Cornwall. Last year’s festival lit the spark – this year, we’re giving girls the tools, experiences, and role models to keep going,” said Caitlin Gould, Co-founder of TECwomen CIC.

Tickets and School Participation

Tickets for the 2025 festival are now on sale. Schools interested in the Take Flight Challenge or After-School Clubs can contact betsy@tecgirls.co.uk.

For more information, visit: www.tecgirls.co.uk