Watch this space
Thanks to the UK’s fast-moving space industry, the possibilities for regional growth and job creation are endless – as long as there is a skilled workforce to meet the needs
The government has made it clear that one of the keys to future economic growth is to have the workforce with the skills to do the job. It’s a problem that exists across many industries – and holds true for the growth of the space sector.
The space industry can open up new opportunities, but access to the right talent with dedication, dexterity and manufacturing experience is required to position the UK with global leader status.
The current situation is that this workforce only exists in parts of the country, and if the government wants to spread space growth nationwide, then more needs to be done. The sector needs to be able to access a steady pipeline of talent to fulfil the needs of the industry and fuel continued job growth to secure the UK as a driver in global status. Ideally, this talent will be available across the nation and not just concentrated in pockets of the UK.
How do you create a workforce when none exists? Can a new model train and develop the next-generation workforce with skills to move a growing sector forward?
Lockheed Martin is all too aware of this very question, particularly as it looks to grow its UK business.
Consequently, it has been actively showcasing the transferable skills that the industry can access, along with other measures that will future-proof the space workforce for the next generation.
Innovation and being at the forefront of technology is nothing new for Lockheed Martin, which for more than 80 years has been recognised as a global aerospace and defence giant and a global space pioneer.
It’s pulling on that expertise to play a major part in the growth of the UK’s space industry, partnering with both the government and leading academic institutions to drive the space agenda.
How do you create a workforce when none exists? Can a new model train and develop the next-generation workforce with skills to move a growing sector forward?
The importance of space should never be underestimated. It underpins 16 per cent of the UK’s GDP while also playing a major role in the country’s prosperity – a day without space would cost the economy a staggering £1.2bn. Protecting our interests in space is critical to ensure the safety of our citizens.
To meet the skills challenge, the company has invested heavily in the North East, responding to the government’s own commitment to regional growth.
Partnering with Northumbria University, they are creating the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST), an ambitious £50m project, backed also by the UK Space Agency, which will offer the facilities and expertise to drive innovative research, technological developments and skill provision.
NESST – artist's impression (Credit: Northumbria University)
There is also the need to think long-term and engage with the potential future space workforce much earlier in their learning and development process.
Ben Shaw, Head of Space Operations and Capture at Lockheed Martin UK, believes that building a workforce to drive the industry is a priority.
“We need to recognise that we have to attract people early and look at how we create that pipeline of talent,” he said.
“We want to bring people through the system and encourage more children into STEM-related education. Everyone benefits from good-quality STEM students, not just the space industry.
“Skills are a high priority for the government’s industrial strategy – every sector is struggling from a lack of skills.”
Lockheed Martin has worked with Northumbria University on a year-long study to look at addressing the skills gaps.
The "Evaluation of Workforce Perceptions and Skills Acquisition for Lockheed Martin (LM): A Case Study in Northeast England" delves into the critical steps needed to attract and develop a skilled workforce within the space industry. It highlights the challenges and opportunities in ensuring individuals have the necessary qualifications, experience and understanding to contribute effectively to the sector's growth.
Just as important is the right aptitude and finding ways to replicate skills, according to the study.
Lockheed Martin has already invested in preparing the next generation who may be considering a career in space with its annual Space Camps in the North East. These events bring together students in Years 6 and 12 to participate in workshops, contribute to problem-solving and hear positive messages about a career in the space sector – beyond being an astronaut or an astrophysicist – with the intention of inspiring them to “reach for the stars.”
Lockheed Martin UK also offers an award-winning modern apprenticeship program, which has been running for 26 years and has successfully helped develop a range of manufacturing skills.
The aim now would be to “extend the space rotation” as part of that four-year apprenticeship, helping to give the required skills and experience for students to play a meaningful role in the space sector.
Lockheed Martin’s gold standard training is aligned with the Ministry of Defence's own training standards, recognising that these rigorous standards are crucial for the success of the broader space industry. However, Lockheed Martin acknowledges that achieving these goals requires collaboration and cannot be accomplished in isolation.
It’s a situation that is already recognised by the government and is highlighted in its Defence Industrial Strategy - Statement of Intent. It details the importance of up-skilling as one of its commitments to drive regional growth.
Lockheed Martin is leveraging its expertise to help encourage people into the industry – including those who may not realise how their existing abilities can transfer.
They have created a checklist of skills that are really relevant to space – from the ability to problem solve, learning how to apply systems thinking, understanding how different components work together for data analysis, design and modelling, as well as studying mechanical and electrical engineering.
And the same goes for soft skills – the ability to communicate effectively, attention to detail and teamwork are all desirable for the space workforce.
Lockheed Martin believes there is a much greater potential talent pool that just needs to be reached across a range of sectors and demographics. People working in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, robotics, renewable energy, computer science and consulting can find roles in space.
The need to establish the pipeline for future talent has to be a priority if the UK sector is going to take a meaningful place in the global market. It translates into delivering regional growth but will ensure the continued prosperity and protection of the nation.
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