Cornwall’s first ever aviation and aerospace festival for girls has been launched to tackle the industry's gender inequality and inspire future generations.

Reach for the Sky aims to showcase the vast opportunities available in the aerospace industry, encouraging young girls to pursue their dreams fearlessly.

Truro-based community interest company (CIC) TECgirls will host the event on Saturday at the fitting location of Europe’s largest Navy base: RNAS Culdrose in Helston.

According to Cornwall Council, less than 5% of girls in the duchy study engineering, information and communication technology (ICT) and design technology subjects at GCSE and A levels.

The aerospace industry has long suffered from a gender imbalance within the UK workforce, with women making up less than 6% of pilots and under 10% of aviation engineers.

And yet air travel is more accessible than ever before, with airline giant Boeing estimating that by 2034, 558,000 more commercial pilots will be needed to meet the growth of the industry, as well as more engineers on the ground, additional air traffic controllers and so on.

If space and aviation development is to continue, the statistics of women in the industry need to improve to keep up with this demand. 

Women in Aviation say research proves exposure to the aviation and aerospace industry in childhood has a positive influence on women’s decisions to pursue a career in this sector.

Festival attendees can expect to see several impressive aircraft up close, including an F22 jet, and meet the female pilots who fly them. They can also build a space village, launch rockets, learn about engineering and even try their hand at using VR welding machines.

The packed programme also includes live science shows and talks from female industry role models.

TECgirls director Caitlin Gould said: “We hope to empower young girls to explore the exciting and diverse career paths available to them within this industry.

“We are also keen to show them they do not need to leave Cornwall to chase their dreams - there are countless incredible opportunities right here in the county.” 

Children go free (lunch included); adult tickets are £10 each. To find out more and register, visit www.tecgirls.co.uk/reach-for-the-sky-festival