Space industries urged to have their say in Space Skills Survey 2023
A Leicester astronomer is urging space-related industries to participate in the “hugely important” Space Sector Skills Survey 2023
The UK Space Agency has launched a new survey to understand the skills needs, recruitment and retention practices, and challenges faced by companies operating in the UK space sector.
The survey aims to address the growing skills gap in the sector and provide valuable insights to shape future policy.
Professor of Astrophysics & Space Science and Director of Strategic Partnerships at Space Park Leicester, Martin Barstow is a member of the steering group for the Space Skills Alliance.
Highlighting the importance of the survey, he said: “The space economy is of huge importance to the UK and its growth places increasing demands on the workforce.
“It is essential to understand the existing skills across the space sector and its future needs if this growth is to continue and for the UK to be able to compete in the international marketplace. The Space Skills Survey is a key part of obtaining the information needed and I would encourage everyone working in any space or space-related role to participate.”
Despite the impacts of COVID, Brexit, and the cost-of-living crisis, the latest Size and Health report showed that the UK space sector is resilient, with employment in the sector continuing to grow. However, almost half of the companies surveyed identified recruitment as a significant barrier to growth.
The Space Sector Skills Survey is open to any organisation that uses space as part of their day-to-day operations, including companies that build and launch satellites, use Earth observation data, or build software for the space sector. By completing the survey, organisations will have the opportunity to provide valuable insights into their recruitment and training practices and the skills they require now and in the future.
Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency added: “The UK is a world leader in the space sector, but we must ensure that we have the skilled workforce to maintain this position. The Space Sector Skills Survey will help us to identify the skills gaps and shape policies that will support the growth of the industry. I urge all companies in the sector to respond and share their valuable insights.”
The results will help the sector to identify the skills gaps and address them through tailored policies and programmes. They will also inform the Space Skills Advisory Panel’s upcoming Space Workforce Action Plan.
The survey is now open and can be accessed at survey.spaceskills.org. The deadline for responses is 2nd June, but early responses are encouraged. The UK Space Agency encourages all organisations operating in the UK space sector to participate and contribute to shaping the future of the industry.
The survey is being carried out by Space Skills Alliance, who delivered the 2020 Space Census, and know.space, who delivered Size & Health of the UK Space Industry 2022.