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.

Available to complete online from Monday 24th April to Friday 2nd June, the survey gives participants the opportunity to feedback on topics such as their hiring over the past year, training needs and provision and retention and recruitment challenges.

Results from the Space Sector Skills Survey will be the primary source of evidence to support the government’s understanding of skills gaps and workforce challenges in the space sector. The survey’s findings will also influence policy decisions at the Department for Science and Technology and how the UK Space Agency funds skills and training initiatives.

Conducted by Space Skills Alliance and know.space, the survey is open to any organisation that employs space professionals and/or uses space as part of their day-to-day operations, for example, companies that build and launch satellites, use Earth observation data or build software for the space sector.

UK Space Agency CEO, Dr Paul Bate, said: “The Space Sector Skills Survey will help us 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.”

Dr Louise Butt, Director of the Space South Central Enterprise Network, said:

“Many of our region’s space-related businesses are seeing rapid growth, which is wonderful news but can also bring recruitment, retention and skills challenges.

“It’s vital that space-related organisations in Hampshire, Surrey and the Isle of Wight make their voices heard by participating in the Space Sector Skills Survey to help ensure that future national policy decisions meet their business’ needs.”

Most of the survey questions are quick and easy to answer, but there are also opportunities to provide more detail or be involved in follow-up studies. All answers are confidential, and you can answer all, some, or none of the questions. Have your say at survey.spaceskills.org.