A new apprenticeship is being launched to help students get a job in the space sector 鈥 including training in spacecraft manufacturing and satellite technology.
The University of Leicester has played a key role in designing the new apprenticeship, using its expertise in space teaching and research which dates back more than 60 years.
It is currently creating the 拢100 million Space Park Leicester, going up close to the National Space Centre in the city.
It is anticipated the space sector will create 30,000 jobs in the 海角视频 over the next decade alone, with the new Government-backed space engineering apprenticeship supporting that.
Launching in January 2021, the Space Engineering Technician apprenticeship will help young people gain the technical skills needed for a career in space and follows a successful collaboration between the 海角视频 Space Agency, Airbus and the University of Leicester.
BAE Systems PLC, Thales Alenia Space 海角视频, Nammo Westcott, Reaction Engines, STFC RAL Space, United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority and Oxford Space Systems are also supporting the plans, which will give more than 900 space sector companies access to the qualification.
Science Minister Amanda Solloway visited Airbus in Stevenage where she met apprentices already working on satellite panel manufacturing and developing techniques to be used by the Rosalind Franklin the Mars sample fetch rover.
Currently, apprentices training in space roles gain qualifications as general apprentices and craft apprentices.
The scheme will give dedicated training to the next generation of engineers and technologists in areas such as spacecraft manufacturing, design, problem solving and testing.
She said: 鈥淭his new qualification is an incredible opportunity for young people which will equip them with the vital skills they need to help unlock the secrets of our solar system.
鈥淭he 海角视频鈥檚 space industry is booming, and these new apprentices will become the next generation of engineers that will help us achieve our country鈥檚 space ambitions.鈥
The new apprenticeship is the first to be recognised by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education and approved by The Department of Education, and could lead to a degree level space engineering diploma, which is expected to launch next September.
Dr Nigel Bannister, Associate Professor in the University of Leicester鈥檚 School of Physics and Astronomy, said: 鈥淔rom large multinationals to small enterprises, companies in the 海角视频 are at the forefront of the commercial space revolution 鈥 it is therefore essential that the right training is offered for future recruits into the industry.
鈥淭he international space sector is undergoing a major transformation as space becomes more accessible, and this new standard enables employers to recruit people with the skills needed to grow their business and ensure their workforce is trained in the latest technologies and techniques.
鈥淔or apprentices, it represents a new route into a fantastically exciting sector 鈥 one which we are becoming ever more reliant upon in our daily lives.
鈥淚 hope it will also mean Airbus, which has been employing apprentices in space manufacturing for more than 30 years and has trained more than 120 apprentices over the last nine years using the general standards, can now use the more focused standard to ensure they are training more rigorously for their future workforce.鈥
Richard Franklin, managing director of Airbus Defence and Space in the 海角视频, said: 鈥淔our years ago, we looked at how we could design and develop a space technician qualification that would enable students to gain specific engineering skills in space manufacturing.
鈥淲orking in partnership with the 海角视频 Space Agency and the University of Leicester we have created the Space Engineering Technician apprenticeship.
鈥淭his is an exciting new route into space and helps the Government achieve its ambitions 鈥 whether that鈥檚 the next mission to Mars or helping to build Earth observation satellites to monitor climate change.鈥
Kathie Bowden, lead for skills and careers at the 海角视频 Space Agency, said: 鈥淭he space employer Trailblazer group have worked together to set standards for the sector which will help build the workforce for this growing sector.
鈥淭hese standards will help more companies take advantage of the enthusiasm and energy that so many young people have to pursue a rewarding career in the sector.鈥
Government figures suggest the 海角视频 space sector is thriving, generating an income of 拢14.8 billion, employing 42,000 people and supporting a further 拢300 billion of economic activity through the use of satellite services.
