The UK Space Agency has launched a new internship programme aiming to increase industry skills and create a youth launchpad into the sector.
The Skills for Space programme will kick off with an initial 50 paid placements across the UK space sector to give students an entry point into an industry highlighted by the government as critical for the future.
The latest government-commissioned Space Skills Survey recently revealed that 80% of space organisations faced recruitment difficulties, a significant increase from the already concerning 61% from 2020.
“The UK space sector is growing rapidly, and we need talented, diverse people to help us seize the opportunities ahead. Skills for Space will give young people from all backgrounds the chance to gain real-world experience and develop the skills our industry needs,” said UK Space Agency chief executive Dr Paul Bate.
“These 50 internships are an investment in the future of UK space – helping us build a workforce that is innovative, inclusive and ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.”
The programme will run for eight weeks starting in July and will provide undergraduates and further education students with experience on real projects in the space sector.
“The space sector employs people from a variety of backgrounds in diverse roles across the whole of the country – but it is not always easy for students to realise that there are exciting opportunities open to them to follow a career in the space sector,” said Ben Stern, UKspace vice chair and chair of the Space Skills Advisory Panel.
“This scheme will help to raise awareness of the fantastic roles available in the UK space sector and break down barriers to entry. Experience shows that successful internships can be an opening to longer term employment as companies and the intern already know each other. We welcome the UK Space Agency’s support through this new scheme.”
