The Air Cadet Charity has received a £15,000 grant from the Serco Foundation to help support the National Air and Space Camp (NASC) 2026 - one of the UK’s flagship aviation experiences for young people.

The funding will directly support cadets attending NASC, giving them access to advanced aerospace learning, hands-on STEM activity and real exposure to aviation and space careers. For many attendees, the camp becomes the moment aviation changes from “interesting idea” to “real future”.

"NASC was very helpful and has shifted my views on what I do post sixth form".
Cadet, 209 (West Bridgford) Squadron

A people-driven partnership

The Serco Foundation is part of the Serco Group and funds charities nominated by Serco employees. Applications can only be submitted alongside an employee recommendation, meaning every grant represents genuine personal backing, not just corporate giving.

The Air Cadet Charity’s application was championed by Matt Wakefield, Aviation, Space & Technology Services Director (UK & Europe Defence), whose support helped secure the funding.

“The Royal Air Force Air Cadet organisation creates opportunity where it matters most - confidence, ambition and technical curiosity. Supporting NASC means investing directly in the next generation of aerospace talent.”
Matt Wakefield
Aviation, Space & Technology Services Director (UK & Europe Defence)

Why NASC matters

NASC is designed to give cadets a deeper understanding of aerospace beyond what’s possible at squadron level. Over the course of the camp, participants work alongside industry experts, explore specialist equipment and develop practical knowledge across aviation and space disciplines.

For many cadets, it becomes a turning point - the first time they see themselves belonging in the sector.

The £15,000 grant ensures more young people can attend regardless of financial background, removing one of the biggest barriers to opportunity.

Shared mission: skills, confidence and future careers

The Serco Foundation exists to fund and advise not-for-profit organisations that help people reach their potential, particularly through education, employability and skills development. This aligns closely with the Air Cadet Charity’s purpose: removing financial barriers to ensure every air cadet can access life-changing opportunities.

By backing NASC, the Serco Foundation is not just supporting an event, it is supporting the long-term air and space workforce pipeline.

"Thanks to the Serco Foundation’s generous support, even more young people will be able to access the transformative experiences NASC offers. This funding directly opens doors for cadets who might otherwise miss out, helping them build confidence, skills and a genuine sense of possibility in the air and space sector."
Jess Gilbert, Air Cadet Charity Director

Looking ahead

Partnerships like this demonstrate the real impact corporate-employee engagement can have. One advocate inside an organisation can unlock life-changing experiences for hundreds of young people.

The Air Cadet Charity is grateful to the Serco Foundation and to Matt Wakefield for recognising the value of investing early in future talent and helping ensure NASC 2026 reaches even more cadets across the UK.

Interested in supporting a specific programme like NASC? The Air Cadet Charity works with organisations and employee champions to create targeted funding partnerships that deliver measurable impact for young people and industry alike. Contact us for further information.