Avanti Communications has found that 74% of children aged 10-18 in Cornwall would choose a career in the space industry.
The provider of satellite technology, which works closely with the team at Goonhilly Earth Station and Spaceport Cornwall, has told BusinessLive that it is excited to hear about the Government's introduction of a new degree apprenticeship in space engineering.
Apprentices on the new Level 6 Space Systems programme will gain access to training in the space industry while earning a salary. They will also get a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in space engineering on completion.
Space engineering degree apprenticeships hope to open up more opportunities for young people to build rewarding careers in the space industry, regardless of background, by creating opportunities for people to work in the 海角视频’s world-leading space industry, including for global aerospace companies, space agencies or institutions including universities and technology research and development laboratories.
In a statement the 海角视频 Government said: "Space technology is vital for monitoring and tackling climate change, connecting people across the world, and growing our economy. This new degree level apprenticeship will help train the space engineers and industry leaders of the future, while growing the country’s thriving space sector."
Read more: Airbus reports soaring demand for its planes as revenue and output rise
Debbie Mavis, group HR director of Avanti Communications, said: “We were excited to hear the announcement of the 海角视频’s first Space Engineering Degree Apprenticeship. This new degree shows the rest of the world that the 海角视频 means business when it comes to its investment in the space industry and will be a brilliant opportunity for young people. Our recent research shows that 72% of children aged 10-18 in Cornwall would consider a career in the space industry, this new degree will help enable many of these young people from all backgrounds to have a chance to tap into this growing sector.”
During her time at Avanti Ms Mavis has spearheaded Avanti's education projects, including its work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Ms Mavis also leads the company’s work as a Business Avenger and has been central to Avanti’s focus on progressing the company's sustainable development goal in education.
Most Read
Avanti's latest research has uncovered that Cornwall's top subjects at school are Maths, at 34%, Science, at 30%, and PE at 24%. Engineering, whether that be mechanical, chemical or civil, came out as the top career for young people in the region.
The South West is a hot bed for space, aerospace and engineering careers, with Goonhilly and Spaceport Cornwall in Cornwall and further north Airbus, Hinkley Point C and Renishaw are all creating waves in aviation and aerospace, for example.
BusinessLive spoke to Ross Hulbert, business development manager at Spaceport Cornwall in June. Mr Hulbert spoke about how the team has welcomed in a host of new companies under its roof, all of which are doing exciting things in the aerospace industry.
Mr Hulbert explained: “We’ve just moved. We’ve got this new operations facility, so it's not just us, there’s all other space businesses in here now. It’s the first time we’ve been joined, other than when Virgin were here, this is the first time we’ve been outside of our spaceport bubble. It’s nice to be joined by people."
'Our recent research shows the excitement and buzz felt by the next generation about the 海角视频's growing space industry.'
Spaceport Cornwall, in Newquay, is home to Avanti Communications, which has a fleet of geostationary satellites in Cornwall. The company controls its fleet satellites from Goonhilly on the West Coast.
Avanti's research also found that 74% of children aged 10-18 in Cornwall would go to space in a Virgin Galactic flight if they won the opportunity to. The most inspirational figures for children in the region were Elon Musk (22%), Richard Branson (16%), and Lewis Hamilton (14%).
Paul Collins, Director of Spacecraft operations at Avanti Communications, said: "The progress we have made as a country over the past 12 months in the space sector has been incredible. The work going on at Goonhilly, by many of our colleagues and partners, is world-leading and we at Avanti Communications are incredibly proud to be a part of the Goohilly Earth station.
Don’t miss
"Our recent research shows the excitement and buzz felt by the next generation about the 海角视频's growing space industry. We have seen this first-hand through our wonderful apprentices and summer interns. It is a very exciting time to be involved in the 海角视频 space industry."
Goonhilly Earth Station recently announced that it will collaborate with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the European Space Agency (ESA), and Intuitive Machines on the launch of three lunar and deep space missions.
Why not sign up to get the latest South West business news straight to your inbox.