High Flyer Marcus Becomes Aviation Ambassador To Inspire The Next Generation Of Talent

A young Darlington engineer has been named in a prestigious list of professionals who will inspire the next generation of talent in the aviation industry.

Darlington’s Marcus Sellars has been unveiled by the Department for Transport as one of 10 Aviation Ambassadors starting his role this month.

The 22-year-old, who works for the Tees Valley Combined Authority, will call on his experience steering the cutting-edge autonomous vehicles trial ongoing at Teesside Airport to sit as the regional lead for automation in aviation within the ambassadors group.

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.

Marcus is a Newcastle University graduate who achieved a distinction in his Masters in Transport Engineering last year before taking on an internship with the Combined Authority last summer.

He went on to secure a full-time role in the Digital Transport team where he is focused on driving innovation and technology change. As part of his new ambassador role, he also wants to help create a dedicated aviation academy to inspire more young people.

Marcus said: “It was nice and a pleasant surprise. I understand the role was highly competitive, with many people applying for it.

“I’m quite young so my pitch to them was I’m still in contact with universities and younger people – and I want to upskill people for jobs.

“There could definitely be a skills hub and cluster here to link all the different businesses and how they’re expanding.”

The group is also set to give talks in colleges, support industry events, and promote aviation careers through online platforms as part of the wider Generation Aviation programme.

Marcus said taking part in the delivery of the ongoing autonomous vehicle project so early in his job had been exciting – and he was proud to be flying the flag for our region in his new position.

He added: “It’s a great honour to have been chosen in this role – and I’m really keen to represent our area, show some of the exciting work we’ve been doing around automation and transport at Teesside Airport and, hopefully, inspire more young people to take on a career in aviation.”

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

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “It’s brilliant to have one of our own talents leading the charge in the aviation industry.

“We’re proud to be leading the way in autonomous transport at our airport and we want it to play a big role in making our transport network better.

“It’s great to see Marcus taking on this role – he’s yet another great example of the wealth of talent we have on our doorstep.

“I wish him well over the next two years and I’m looking forward to hearing more about the work he’s doing in his new role very soon.”

Phil Forster, Managing Director of Teesside International Airport, added: “Marcus has been a great addition and his work on the testbed project has been top drawer.

“We’re proud to have him representing our region – and I’m sure he’ll do a wonderful job promoting both our airport and the wider aviation industry for young people to launch their careers.”