easyJet Kicks Off Cabin Crew Recruitment to Combat Youth Unemployment in the UK

Low-cost airline easyJet has launched its newest cabin crew recruitment initiative, featuring ‘Flight Paths’ taster sessions aimed at young individuals aged 18 to 24. This program is part of their 2025 recruitment efforts to address the rise in youth unemployment in the UK. The focus is primarily on young Britons classified as NEETs (not in employment, education, or training) to provide them with career opportunities and showcase the appealing aspects of being part of easyJet’s cabin crew.

Through this initiative, easyJet plans to recruit nearly 1,000 new cabin crew members for the summer of 2026. This effort particularly targets recent school leavers who are exploring their career options after receiving their examination results.

According to a statement from easyJet, “The Flight Paths initiative comes in light of recent statistics from the UK Office for National Statistics, indicating that close to one million young people in the UK are currently categorized as NEETs, which represents 12.5% of the youth demographic in the UK. The recruitment of cabin crew and growth in the sector could significantly contribute to reducing these figures.”

Recent research commissioned by easyJet, surveying 2,000 individuals aged 16-24, highlights persistent misconceptions surrounding cabin crew roles that deter young people from considering such careers. Alarmingly, 92% of respondents were unaware that there are no minimum educational qualifications required for cabin crew positions, and two-thirds (66%) believed they were unqualified for training. Consequently, nearly 90% of those aged 16 to 24 have never thought about a career in aviation, despite over half (59%) expressing interest in it.

The findings also reveal that 89% of young men think there is a prevailing stereotype that cabin crew roles are primarily for women. As a result, around 38% of male respondents stated they had previously hesitated to consider the job due to traditional gender norms associated with it.

Breaking down barriers

EasyJet’s statement and the associated program aim to dispel these misconceptions. “To address these barriers, easyJet will open the doors of its London Gatwick Training Centre this summer for complimentary hands-on taster sessions. Participants will learn more about the role directly from easyJet’s cabin crew and training professionals,” the airline explained.

“These sessions will illustrate that the job provides valuable life skills such as communication, team management, and problem-solving, alongside travel experiences and career advancement opportunities. One in four (26%) young adults aged 18 to 24 express interest in careers that involve travel, while 28% want to be part of a team-oriented work environment.”

The Flight Paths initiative is just one aspect of easyJet’s ongoing commitment to enhancing early career opportunities and supporting youth employment. This also includes the Enterprise Advisors Program, which connects easyJet staff from various departments, including Engineering and IT, with local schools in Luton and Gatwick to offer career advice and employability assistance to young people.

“We want to demonstrate to young people that being cabin crew is more than just a job; it’s a vibrant career brimming with teamwork and opportunities,” stated Michael Brown, Director of Cabin Services at easyJet. “If you possess enthusiasm, interpersonal skills, and a eagerness to learn, our taster sessions could be your ideal first step towards a new journey. We are excited to welcome the next generation of cabin crew on board.”

UK Government support

UK Government’s Aviation Minister, Mike Kane, showed support for the initiative, commenting, “It’s fantastic to see British company easyJet investing in our youth, encouraging and inspiring them to pursue careers in aviation. We are dedicated to dismantling barriers to opportunities in the UK as part of our Plan for Change, ensuring everyone can pursue rewarding careers.”

Natalie Puncher, who joined easyJet as a cabin crew member after completing school in 2002 and currently serves as the airline’s Head of Customer and Inflight Standards, shared her experience: “Joining easyJet as cabin crew shortly after school was one of the best choices I’ve made. I’ve gained confidence, formed incredible connections, and traveled to destinations I never imagined, all while developing a career. Each day is unique, and I’ve acquired life skills that will stay with me forever.”