East Midlands Airport Operations Director among new Government aviation ambassadors announced to inspire the next generation

Thousands of young people across the UK, including in the East Midlands, are being inspired to pursue exciting and rewarding careers in aviation after the government confirmed the next cohort of Aviation Ambassadors.

The ambassadors are successful aviation professionals who will promote jobs, skills and training in the sector by going into schools, hosting workshops, and using social media to reach primary, secondary and college students across England.

Lauren began her career as a Security Officer at the airport and has since risen through the ranks to direct East Midlands’ operations – a true aviation success story in the region.

As an Aviation Ambassador, Lauren will champion apprenticeships, mentoring and skills development for young people in the region, and is keen to create a more inclusive and supported pathway for future aviation professionals.

Lauren Turner, Operations Director at East Midlands Airport, and new Aviation Ambassador, said: “I’m proud and excited to be an aviation ambassador and to share my journey at East Midlands Airport. Aviation is an innovative, fast-moving industry with opportunities for people from all walks of life, and I hope that by sharing my personal career story, I can encourage young people across the region to see it as a career where they can thrive and grow.”

Aviation Minister, Keir Mather, said: “Aviation is full of exciting opportunities and fulfilling career paths, and we’re determined to encourage more young people to see the sector as a place where they can thrive and build rewarding, long-term futures.

“Our Aviation Ambassadors are key to making that happen – sharing their own journeys, helping to break down barriers, and showing the sky really is the limit. By broadening horizons, we’re helping to secure the future of UK aviation while delivering regional growth, jobs and skills.”

From ground handling and airfield safety, to commercial flying, customer service, and aviation law, the Aviation Ambassador programme raises awareness of the many career paths available to suit every skillset and every passion.

Among the other new ambassadors are:

• Former Red Arrows Chief Engineer Ross Priday from South Wales, who aims to inspire young people by sharing of his wide range of experiences and bridge the gap between aviation and aerospace careers.
• London-based Influencer and former Heathrow internal progression lead Miguel Cabrera Vivas, also known as The Aviation Mentor, who combines social media and face-to-face outreach to promote aviation as an accessible career choice.
• David Gardner, a senior firefighter and medical lead for the airport’s first responder scheme at Luton Airport whose ‘hands-on’, practical outreach delivery is an exciting and memorable experience for young people learning about aviation and fire safety.

Ambassadors deliver a range of outreach activities, including giving talks in colleges, supporting industry events, and promoting aviation careers through online platforms and traditional media. This engagement has reached thousands of people who may never have considered aviation as a career option, including those in underrepresented communities.

Ken O’Toole, CEO of Manchester Airport Group, said: “We are extremely proud to see Lauren appointed as an Aviation Ambassador. Her wealth of knowledge and experience within our sector will be invaluable to inspiring a new generation of aviation professionals, which is vital to the future success of our business and the wider industry.

“MAG’s education and skills initiatives – including our on-site Aerozones and Academies – work with thousands of young people every year to showcase the broad range of career opportunities that aviation has to offer.

“As a major employer across the North, Midlands and South, MAG has a significant role to play in providing skills and employment opportunities for surrounding communities, stimulating regional and national economic growth.”

The initiative is part of the Generation Aviation programme, which sees government and industry working together to help build an aviation workforce fit for the future and attract diverse, talented people.

The new ambassadors will officially start their new roles on Wednesday 28th January 2026.