The Securing the Future of Space: Space Software and Data/AI CPD programme is one of five new projects, worth £2.1m, announced by the UK Space Agency to break down barriers to opportunities within this fast-growing, high-tech sector.
The course, delivered by experts from the Space South Central partnership of the universities of Portsmouth, Southampton and Surrey, will equip mid-career professionals with the expertise needed to strategically navigate the rapidly changing fields of AI and data science.
Dr Becky Canning, Deputy Director (Space) at the University of Portsmouth’s Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, said: “Software, data, and AI development proceeds at such a rate that remaining at the forefront of the sector is challenging, yet these digital skills are critical to drive innovation and meet the objectives of the National Space Strategy.
“We recognise the importance of working closely with the sector to design bespoke, broad, and corporate strategy concepts to include in the course, ensuring that participants not only acquire technical proficiency, but also develop a deep understanding of the strategic implications of these technologies for their organisations.”
The 2023 Space Sector Skills Survey noted that the number one skills gap in the space sector is ‘Software and Data’, with a 72 percent gap. Employers predict that the future will bring even greater challenges.
‘Artificial intelligence and machine learning’ and ‘data analysis and modelling’ are the only technical skills of the top 15 skills gaps in the current workforce that have worsened, alongside ‘strategy and leadership'.
With support from industry experts at Orange Tree Ltd, the course will provide participants with comprehensive training in digital space and AI technologies. They will also learn how to structure and respond to space-related funding opportunities.
Through a combination of lectures, practical exercises, and mentoring opportunities, attendees will gain the skills necessary to progress in this ever-evolving digital field.
The course is aimed at employees already in the space sector who are looking for promotion and to fill critical employer gaps, as well as professionals outside the sector, particularly from the military, engineering, defence and maritime industries, who want to direct their talent towards the fast-growing space industry.
Dr Louise Butt, Director of the Space South Central regional space cluster, said: “Hampshire, Surrey and the Isle of Wight have a stellar 50-year heritage of space innovation and expertise, and the range of specialisms here is unrivalled anywhere in the UK.
“Yet, skills gaps, shortages and recruitment challenges are the biggest threats to South Central England’s £3 billion space sector.
“Our mission at Space South Central is to ensure that our region stays at the forefront of the UK space industry, and a significant part of that is supporting the development of training opportunities and helping employers of all sizes attract and retain the staff they need.
“By fostering collaboration between education providers and industry, we are making it easier for appropriate training to be developed that responds directly to business needs and enables talent to thrive.”