easyJet launches Flight Paths taster sessions as part of its annual recruitment drive for 18–24 year-olds, helping tackle rising youth unemployment
- easyJet is supporting young people ‘not in employment, education or training’ (NEET) through its annual cabin crew recruitment programme
- One in seven 16–24-year-olds in the UK are currently classed as NEET – the highest level in 11 years – with youth unemployment rising 5.2% year-on-year
- Research shows lack of experience and uncertainty around career options are the main reasons young people don’t apply for jobs they’re interested in
- 92% of 16–24 year-olds don’t know the education requirements to become cabin crew – highlighting a key barrier to entry
- easyJet will host free Flight Paths taster sessions this month at its London Gatwick Training Centre, designed to give young people direct insight into a cabin crew career
- Around 1,000 new cabin crew roles are available for 2026 as easyJet continues to expand
LONDON, UK – 18 AUGUST 2025 – easyJet has launched its annual cabin crew recruitment campaign, opening applications for nearly 1,000 new roles starting in 2026. As part of this drive, the airline is introducing Flight Paths, a new initiative aimed at encouraging young people – particularly those classed as NEET – to explore opportunities in aviation and see how accessible and rewarding a cabin crew career can be.
The announcement comes as latest ONS figures reveal nearly one million young people in the UK are NEET, accounting for 12.5% of the youth population.
New research commissioned by easyJet with 2,000 respondents aged 16–24 highlights common misconceptions that hold many back:
- 92% were unaware there are no minimum educational qualifications required to apply for a cabin crew role.
- Two-thirds (66%) believed they would be underqualified.
- Almost nine in ten (88%) had never considered a career with an airline, despite over half (59%) expressing an interest in aviation.
- 89% of young men believe cabin crew is still perceived as a female-dominated role, with over a third (38%) saying gender stereotypes put them off applying.
To address these barriers, easyJet is opening its London Gatwick Training Centre this summer to offer free, hands-on Flight Paths taster sessions. These sessions will give participants the chance to meet current crew, hear directly from recruitment experts, and gain practical insight into the skills involved – from communication and teamwork to problem-solving – alongside the travel opportunities and career progression the job provides.
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. With enthusiasm, people skills and a willingness to learn, these taster sessions could be the perfect first step. We look forward to welcoming a new generation of cabin crew on board.”
Aviation Minister Mike Kane added:
“It’s fantastic to see British firm easyJet investing in our young people and inspiring them into aviation careers. We are determined to break down barriers so everyone can access rewarding opportunities.”
Alongside Flight Paths, easyJet continues to support youth employment through programmes such as its Enterprise Advisors initiative, which connects staff across engineering, IT, data and operations with schools in Luton and Gatwick to provide careers advice and guidance.
Personal stories from easyJet crew are also being shared via SoundCloud, giving insights into career journeys, the application process and CV tips.
Natalie Puncher, now Head of Customer and Inflight Standards, said:
“I joined easyJet as cabin crew a year after leaving school in 2002 – it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I’ve grown in confidence, met amazing people and travelled to places I never imagined, all while building a career. Every day is different, and the skills I’ve learned will stay with me for life.”
Find out more and book your free Flight Paths taster session (ages 18–24):
👉 Eventbrite – easyJet Flight Paths Cabin Crew Taster Sessions
Learn more about a cabin crew career with easyJet:
👉 careers.easyjet.com/cabin-crew
Listen to advice from easyJet cabin crew and recruiters:
👉 SoundCloud – easyJet Careers
ENDS
Notes to editors remain unchanged…
