Ensuring a diverse and skilled workforce is top priority for UK space sector

“Space capabilities are vital for our national security and act as a hidden enabler for many of our nation’s operations,” Craven said. “A strong regulatory framework, along with a strategy that prioritises people and skills, is essential.”

A human endeavour

Chris White-Horne, Deputy CEO of the UK Space Agency, echoed these sentiments, stressing the human element behind the sector’s success. “Space is fundamentally a human endeavour. While we see incredible technological advancements, it all comes back to people,” he stated.

To cultivate a new generation of talent, the UK Space Agency is actively engaging students from primary school through to university. “We work with students at key decision-making moments in their careers to attract a diverse talent pool,” White-Horne explained. “The space sector isn’t just about scientists and astrophysicists. We need experts in marketing, design, project management, and communications as well.”

Nik Smith, UK Defence Director at Lockheed Martin, reinforced the importance of early engagement, noting initiatives that introduce schoolchildren to career opportunities in space. “We work with students in years 6 and 12, guiding them as they consider their futures. There is a diverse range of roles within the space sector,” he said.

Lockheed Martin, in collaboration with Viasat and the National Space Academy, is inspiring young minds through a summer space camp, providing hands-on experiences in space science and technology. Alongside the UK Space Agency and Northumbria University, Lockheed Martin is also investing £50 million to establish the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST). Expected to create over 350 jobs and contribute £260 million to the regional economy over 30 years, NESST is poised to be a major driver in the government’s levelling-up agenda and the expansion of the UK space sector in the Northeast.

Farnborough’s Space Show has also showcased other initiatives aimed at attracting young people, including Euroavia, which runs workshops and challenges to encourage participation in space-related careers. Leo Buchner, former Euroavia President, pointed to the rapid growth of the space sector in China and Russia, warning that Europe must address workforce shortages to maintain its competitiveness. “The sector is vast, complex, and incredibly exciting for young people,” he said, “however current growth rates in Europe’s space sector cannot be sustained with the current workforce.”

Diversity and inclusion

Diversity and inclusion were also key themes of the event. The UK Space Agency is collaborating with Aerobility, King’s College London, and the European Space Agency (ESA) to promote accessibility in human spaceflight. The Space 4 All initiative is working to create a more inclusive space sector by encouraging the participation of disabled individuals.

Irene Di Guilio, from King’s College London’s Centre for Human and Applied Physiological Sciences, highlighted ESA’s recruitment of John McFall, the world’s first disabled astronaut. “We need to take significant steps forward. We’re on a mission to create an inclusive community shaping the future of space exploration,” Di Guilio added. “By embracing diverse voices, we show that space truly belongs to everyone.”