Engineering Scholarships
Our Engineering Scholarships are designed to unlock opportunities for those who are ready to pursue a career in aerospace engineering or maintenance, offering structured, meaningful experiences with leading organisations across the sector. Through hands‑on two‑week placements at locations such as RAF Cranwell, RAF Valley and Virgin Atlantic’s Maintenance bases, scholars gain practical insight into the working world of defence and commercial aviation, shadowing engineering and maintenance teams and contributing to real projects.
If you have the determination and passion to pursue a future in aerospace, our Engineering Scholarships offer a supported pathway to begin that journey, opening the door to new possibilities, new experiences, and a career shaped by innovation
Our engineering scholarships
are supported by:
two week work placement
two week work placement
hear from our scholars
Driven by a clear goal to become an aircraft engineer, Jack Hutchinson applied for The Air League Engineering Scholarship to gain the practical Part‑145 maintenance experience he needed. Through his placement with Affinity Flying Training Services, he developed valuable hands‑on skills, built confidence, and strengthened his ambition to work on commercial airliners.
Just months after completing his scholarship, Jack achieved exactly what he set out to do, securing his dream role as an Apprentice Aircraft Engineer with Virgin Atlantic. His journey is a powerful example of how The Air League supports aspiring engineers to take the next step in their careers.
What began as a Three‑Hour Powered Flying Scholarship soon became a multi‑year progression through both flying and engineering for Air League scholar Noah Barker. These opportunities helped him build confidence, technical skills and a clear sense of direction within aviation.
Now studying Aeronautical Engineering at Loughborough University and serving as an Officer Cadet with East Midlands Universities Air Squadron, Noah is well on his way toward his ambition of becoming an RAF pilot.
Discover how Noah used his Air League scholarships to shape his future in aviation.
Find out what last year's scholars achieved
engineering aspirations take flight: air league scholars complete placement with affinity flying training services
frequently asked questions
Applications open on Tuesday, 3rd March 2026. Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 26th April 2026.
You must be:
-Air League Member
-Aged 18 or older on the 1st of June 2026
-UK Citizen
-Have the ambition to pursue a career in aerospace engineering or maintenance.
All applicants will be considered for the Affinity Flying Training Services placements. However, to be considered for the Virgin Atlantic placements, you must be a current student at the University of South Wales, Newcastle College or City College Norwich.
You must be aged 18 or older on the 1st of June 2026.
Affinity Flying Training Services, RAF Cranwell & Valley
Virgin Atlantic Maintenance Bases, UK wide
Engineering scholarships will take place in August 2026 during the student holiday period.
In addition to your Engineering scholarship, full board accommodation for the duration of the scholarship is included.
Our scholarships are open to all that meet the legal requirements listed above.
Our vision is to change lives through aviation and believe there should be no educational, financial, or social barriers for those who want to succeed.
We want to make aviation accessible to all. Regardless of your background we will support you if you have the determination, drive and passion to succeed.
The application process is split into two stages.
The first stage is an assessment of your application by two independent members of the scholarship selection committee.
If you are successful in the first stage, you will be invited to a second stage online interview.
Yes. If you are successful in the first stage, interviews will be held online with the Air League and placement provider representatives.
Unfortunately, The Air League is unable to help with travel costs.
Yes. A valid Air League membership is required to apply for all scholarships and bursaries.
Early June 2026.
application form
career pathway options
We’ve teamed up with TalentView Aviation to ensure all our scholarship applicants continue on their career pathways within aviation and aerospace
TalentView is the place for talented individuals to find first jobs, graduate roles and other exciting opportunities and be seen by employers across the UK aviation industry