News & Comment
Discover the latest from Space South Central
First group completes in-person stage of new course to tackle UK’s space sector skills gap
A new course, designed to address the shortage of skills in software, data, and AI within the UK space industry, has seen its first group complete their in-person stage of the course.
Alton College Unveils New Space And Satellite Hub
Alton College recently hosted an exciting launch event to introduce its brand-new Space and Satellite Hub, which will be the centrepiece of the college's ambitious Space Technologies Programme.
Universities launch pioneering space programme to boost UK skills and graduate opportunities
Students in the Space South Central region now have the unique opportunity to design and launch a satellite mission, thanks to an ambitious new programme from three of the space cluster’s partner universities.
Space South Central welcomes new SPINterns to the team!
We recently welcomed two new SPINterns, Jack Lynock and Tom Love, to the Space South Central team after securing extra funding from the UK Space Agency’s Space Placements in INdustry (SPIN) programme.
Region secures UK Space Agency funding to address space sector skills gap
The University of Portsmouth, in partnership with the universities of Southampton and Surrey, has received funding from the UK Space Agency to launch a new CPD course that tackles the sector skills gap in software, data and AI.
UK's first space degree apprenticeship launched in the Space South Central region
BAE Systems and Space South Central founding partners, the University of Portsmouth, have launched the UK’s first degree apprenticeship in Space Systems Engineering – and applications for the programme’s first intake are open now.
Alton College awarded £½ million for new Space Technologies programme
Alton College’s plans to train the next generation of space and satellite industry employees have had a £500,000 boost, thanks to funding from the Solent Local Skills Improvement Fund.
Skills and recruitment challenges threaten region’s thriving space sector
Skills gaps, shortages and recruitment challenges are the biggest threats to South Central England’s £3 billion space sector, according to new research.
University Brings Space to Earth with Working Replica of Mars Rover
A team from Space South Central partners, the University of Southampton, has built a fully functioning replica of NASA’s Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover, to demonstrate how space technology can be lifesaving on Earth.
Skills and innovation top the agenda as Science Minister visits UK’s largest space cluster
Skills and innovation were the focus for Minister of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, George Freeman, as he met with Space South Central businesses and academics in Guildford on Thursday (22 June 2023).
University of Portsmouth student wins place on ESA CubeSat Hands-On Training Week
University of Portsmouth post-graduate student, Csilla Patakfalvi, won a place on the European Space Agency’s (ESA) CubeSat Hands-On Training Week 2023, which runs from 5-9 June in Belgium.
More careers events promised following PICS-Space success
Space South Central and its partners are looking forward to offering more careers events following the success of last week’s Post-Doctoral Industry Summit (PICS-Space) in Southampton.
Have your say on the recruitment and skills challenges facing the space sector
Employers and professionals can share their views and shape future policy by taking part in the UK Space Agency’s Space Sector Skills Survey 2023.
Free event will help launch post-doctoral careers in space
Space South Central and satellite company SSTL are hosting a free event in Southampton to introduce post-doctoral researchers to career opportunities and connect with employers in the thriving UK space sector.
National Apprenticeship Week Case Study: Josh Miller, Mechanical Design Engineer, Airbus
Josh Miller, 22, always knew that he wanted to turn his childhood love of science into a career. The chance to build three years of work experience while studying prompted him to start an apprenticeship with Airbus straight out of school, rather than doing A-Levels.
National Apprenticeship Week Case Study: Chloe-Marie Boucher, Level 4 Apprentice, Airbus
Chloe-Marie Boucher, 19, started their apprenticeship to become a Space Engineering Technician with Airbus after finishing their A-Levels last year. They’re looking forward to learning about the company’s different departments and career opportunities as their training progresses.
Apprenticeships Help Space Careers and Businesses Take Off
National Apprenticeship Week (6-12 February) highlights the benefits of on-the-job training for both employers and trainees – and many space sector companies are using apprenticeships to attract and develop new talent equipped with skills tailor-made for their business.