Digital skills for UK Space sector workers

A digital skills and AI course to help companies meet gaps in the Space sector.

The 'Securing the future of Space: Space software and Data/AI CPD' programme is one of five projects from the UK Space Agency to break barriers to opportunities.

The course, delivered by experts from the Space South Central University partnership of Portsmouth, Southampton and Surrey, is aiming to equip mid-career professionals with expertise to navigate artifical intelligence (AI) and data science.

The UK Space Agency's 2023 Space Sector Skills Survey found the number one skills gap is software and data - with a 72% gap.

Aritificial intelligence and machine learning, and data analysis and modelling, are the only technical skills in the top 15 skills gaps that have worsened in the current workforce.

With support from industry experts at Orange Tree Ltd, the course will provide participants with comprehensive training in digital space and AI technologies.

Dr Louise Butt, Director of the Space South Central regional space cluster, says, '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 £3bln Space sector.'