world applications space technology has to help people realise the range of applicable skills that are needed.” Looking at specific skills gaps, Thiemann spoke about
the struggle to find RF (radio frequency) engineers in the midst of complex immigration policies and called for more visible routes into the sector and stronger alignment with employer needs. Dr Athina Frantzana, chair of the New Voices in Space working group, Space Scotland, talked about inclusive recruitment and promoting alternative pathways for people to enter the sector later in life. Stewart McKinlay, chair of the Skills working
group, Space Scotland, looked at pinch points for space employers in Scotland, such as the need for control engineers and critical shortages in technical roles. He voiced the challenge of losing local talent, with many leaving Scotland to later compete against it, as well as combatting the loss of talent to other sectors. McKinlay also challenged the audience to think about ways to divert a surplus of astronaut applicants into other areas that have genuine skills gaps. Facilitating growth in such a highly competitive
industry is only possible with strong talent. Nik Smith, Lockheed Martin’s UK & Europe regional director, emphasised the role of free movement to attract the best people. “Space is very much a global industry and we need to make the transfer of talent easier through bilateral trade agreements and easier movement,” said Smith. “There can also be too much focus on exceptional
space skills,” Smith warned. “The reality is the industry needs a whole host of skills, from communicators to broader technical skills. Space is open and available. We need to look at how we attract talent from adjacent markets too that have many valuable and applicable skills for our industry.”
DID YOU KNOW?
The mining, tourism, transport, energy, maritime, agriculture and health sectors all currently use space technology.
NUMBER CRUNCH
£17.5 billion Estimated total UK space industry income in 2020–2021.
48,800 Jobs directly provided by the UK space sector in 2021, supporting an additional 78,000 across the supply chain.
73% Increase in UK Space Agency spending from 2018–19 to 2022–23 (from £373 million to £647 million).
Source: National Audit Office
13
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP
SPACE SE CTOR
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