Space skills and careers resources
Updated 23 July 2024
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UK Space Agency – Mars Perseverance – space careers
1. Space skills and careers resources for use in school, college, university or at home
Take a look at some of the space-related skills and careers resources we’re drawing together below.
2. Recommended resources:
2.1 UK Space Agency Careers Leaflet:
2.2 Careers in space from ESERO-UK
The UK branch of the European Space Education Resources Office (ESERO-UK) has a number of careers resources including:
2.3 UKspace
Visit the careers page of UKspace, the space trade association.
2.4 Women into Science and Engineering (WISE)
My Skills My Life is a WISE outreach resource which helps girls (and boys) discover their potential and opens doors to careers in STEM and space. For free, shareable online resources for ages 11 to 19, visit wisecampaign.org.uk.
Sign up to play the interactive game quiz to help find rewarding careers in STEM. Visit myskillsmylife.org.uk
3. Opportunities in secondary and further education
3.1 Work experience placements
Airbus offers virtual work experience placements. Have a look at their webpage Fascinated by space? Work experience placements are also offered by companies such as:
SpaceCareers.UK gives advice on Finding Work Experience
4. Apprenticeships and graduate programmes
Amongst others,
Rolls-Royce offers apprenticeships for school leavers, internships and graduate programmes.
Reaction Engines runs an apprenticeship scheme and graduate programme.
5. Opportunities in higher education
5.1 Space Placements in Industry (SPIN)
Undergraduate and postgraduate students studying at UK universities may consider and apply for a paid internship over the summer in the UK space industry as part of the Space Placements in Industry scheme. For further details see the Satellite Applications Catapult website.
5.2 International Space University (ISU)
The UK Space Agency funds a competitive scholarship scheme to support UK citizens who wish to attend programmes at the International Space University.
5.3 UK Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (UKSEDS)
Perhaps you might find it worthwhile joining UKSEDS. Membership is free and open to all.
6. Jobs
One of the many places job vacancies, research opportunities, internships and apprenticeships in the space sector are publicised is on the SpaceCareers.UK website.
7. Training and Lifelong Learning
7.1 Free learning resources
MOOCS (Massive Open Online Courses)
Providers include:
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OpenLearn, free learning from The Open University
An example course from OpenLearn is Microgravity: living on the International Space Station which is endorsed by the CPD Standards Office and can be used to provide evidence of continuing professional development.