A unique STEM experience combining flight simulation, aviation careers and hands-on learning for young people.

Mission FD2050: Aviation Explorer Workshop — Simulator & Discover Aviation Careers

Experience Aviation. Discover Careers. Plan Your Future.

Join us at The Immersive Hub in Wigan for an interactive aviation careers workshop designed to inspire young people, families and anyone curious about opportunities across the aviation industry.

Tickets are available for a nominal charge of £12 per person. This includes the complete careers workshop, an Aviation Explorer Certificate and at least 10 minutes of hands-on simulator time for every participant.

Charging a small fee helps us protect the limited places available and continue providing a high-quality, engaging experience.

Led by Ken Eckersall, Department for Transport Aviation Ambassador, Mission FD2050 combines aviation career exploration, immersive technology, flight simulation, practical challenges and real-world discussion.

Ken brings together experience from aviation, education and entrepreneurship to help participants understand the wide range of careers available across the sector—and the different routes into them.

The Department for Transport’s Aviation Ambassador programme focuses on raising awareness of aviation careers, widening participation and helping people understand the pathways available across the industry.

What You’ll Explore

During Mission FD2050, participants will:

✈ Discover careers across airlines, airports, engineering, cabin crew, flight operations, air traffic control, cybersecurity, technology and emerging aviation

✈ Learn about apprenticeships, college courses, university programmes and alternative routes into the sector

✈ Take part in aviation-themed team challenges and problem-solving activities

✈ Discover how flight simulation and immersive technology support learning, training and career exploration

✈ Experience demonstrations of the Boeing 737 dual-cockpit simulator, Top Gun F-14 simulator and Apple Vision Pro aviation technology

✈ Receive at least 10 minutes of hands-on simulator time

✈ Ask questions and discuss realistic next steps towards an aviation career

✈ Receive an Aviation Explorer Certificate after completing the workshop

Your £12 Ticket Includes

✅ Admission to the complete Mission FD2050 aviation careers workshop

✅ Aviation career guidance and pathway information

✅ Practical challenges and interactive activities

✅ Immersive aviation technology demonstrations

✅ A minimum of 10 minutes of hands-on simulator time

✅ An Aviation Explorer Certificate

Places are limited, so advance booking is essential.

Optional Experiences After the Workshop

Participants who would like a longer hands-on experience can purchase additional discounted FlightDeck PC sessions after the workshop, subject to availability.

Optional experiences include:

🏎 F1 Simulator Experience — 10% participant discount

✈ Boeing 737 Dual-Cockpit Experience — 10% participant discount

✈ Top Gun F-14 Challenge — 10% participant discount

🥽 Apple Vision Pro immersive aviation experience

There is no obligation to purchase an additional experience.

Who Is It For?

The workshop is particularly suitable for young people aged 11–18 who are interested in:

Aviation and flying

Engineering and technology

Airports and airlines

Travel and tourism

STEM subjects

Apprenticeships and future careers

Parents, carers and careers advisers are also welcome to attend.

No previous aviation knowledge or experience is required.

Event Details

Duration: Approximately one hour

Ticket price: £12 per person

Included simulator time: At least 10 minutes per participant

Location: The Immersive Hub, Wigan, WN6 7NR

Capacity: Limited places—advance booking required

Additional simulator experiences: Available to purchase after the workshop, subject to availability

Participants under 16 must attend with, or have the consent of, a responsible adult.

About Mission FD2050

Mission FD2050 helps young people discover the breadth of careers available across aviation and understand how they can become part of the industry’s future.

Through practical activities, career guidance, simulation and immersive technology, the mission aims to turn curiosity into confidence—and confidence into achievable next steps.

About Ken Eckersall

Ken Eckersall is a Department for Transport Aviation Ambassador covering the North West region.

He began his aviation career as a crewing officer and senior cabin crew member before moving into education, where he progressed to Deputy Head of School within Further Education.

Through The Immersive Hub and FlightDeck PC, Ken now uses simulation, immersive technology and practical learning to help young people explore aviation careers, develop confidence and understand the pathways available to them.

About The Immersive Hub

The Immersive Hub brings together immersive technology, simulation, education and community engagement to inspire curiosity, develop skills and create future opport

Description supplied by the event organiser.