A new £2.1 million project has launched to address the skills gap in software, data, and artificial intelligence (AI) in the UK space sector. The “Securing the Future of Space: Space Software and Data/AI CPD” program, led by the University of Portsmouth, aims to equip mid-career professionals with expertise in AI and data-science to navigate the rapidly changing fields. Dr Becky Canning, Deputy Director (Space) at the University of Portsmouth’s Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, emphasized the importance of working closely with the sector to design bespoke training concepts.
The program is one of five new projects announced by the UK Space Agency to break down barriers in the fast-growing space sector. Industry experts from Orange Tree Ltd will provide comprehensive training in digital space and AI technologies. The course is aimed at employees already in the space sector looking for promotion, as well as professionals outside the sector, particularly from the military, engineering, defence, and maritime industries.
Key individuals involved include Dr Louise Butt, Director of the Space South Central regional space cluster, Hugh Lewis, Professor of Astronautics at the University of Southampton, and Keith Ryden, Professor of Space Engineering at the University of Surrey.
Addressing the Skills Gap in the UK Space Sector
The UK space sector is facing a significant skills gap, particularly in software, data, and artificial intelligence (AI). To address this issue, a new project has been launched, led by the University of Portsmouth, with funding from the UK Space Agency. The Securing the future of space: Space Software and Data/AI CPD programme aims to equip mid-career professionals with the expertise needed to strategically navigate the rapidly changing fields of AI and data-science.
The course, delivered by experts from the universities of Portsmouth, Southampton, and Surrey, will provide comprehensive training in digital space and AI technologies. Participants will learn how to structure and respond to space-related funding opportunities, gaining the skills necessary to progress in this ever-evolving digital field. The programme is designed to address the number one skills gap in the space sector, identified as ‘Software and Data’ by the 2023 Space Sector Skills Survey.
The Importance of Digital Skills in the Space Sector
The development of software, data, and AI proceeds at a rapid rate, making it challenging for companies to remain at the forefront of the sector. However, these digital skills are critical to drive innovation and meet the objectives of the National Space Strategy. Dr Becky Canning, Deputy Director (Space) at the University of Portsmouth’s Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, emphasized the importance of working closely with the sector to design bespoke, broad, and corporate strategy concepts to include in the course.
The Role of Industry Experts and Regional Clusters
Industry experts from Orange Tree Ltd will provide support for the course, ensuring that participants receive comprehensive training in digital space and AI technologies. The programme is also backed by regional clusters, such as Space South Central, which aims to ensure that the region stays at the forefront of the UK space industry. Dr Louise Butt, Director of the Space South Central regional space cluster, highlighted the importance of supporting the development of training opportunities and helping employers attract and retain staff.
The Contribution of University Partners
The universities of Portsmouth, Southampton, and Surrey are partnering to deliver the programme, bringing their expertise in space-related education and training. Professor Hugh Lewis from the University of Southampton emphasized the privilege of working with colleagues in the South Central region to support the career development of professionals in the space sector. Meanwhile, Professor Keith Ryden from the University of Surrey highlighted the university’s strengths in remote sensing data analysis, on-board data processing, and space data security.
Opportunities for Professionals and Companies
The programme is aimed at employees already in the space sector looking for promotion and to fulfill critical employer gaps, as well as professionals outside the sector who want to direct their talent towards the fast-growing space industry. Whether you’re a space sector company looking to upskill your employees or an individual seeking training to take the next exciting step in your career, registration of interest is now open by contacting Dan Smith at dan.smith@port.ac.uk.
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