“Now is the time to invest in future talent” to ensure the UK maintains the pace of innovation in the space sector “for years to come”, according to Doug Liddle, director, space at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence.
Speaking to FINN in the same week that BAE Systems and the University of Portsmouth launched the UK’s first ever degree apprenticeship in Space Systems Engineering, Liddle said: “The industry has a unique opportunity to deliver innovative dual-use capabilities to the sector, however in order to do that we need to invest in our talent pipeline.”
Applications are now open for the first intake of space degree apprentices who will be part of projects such as Azalea, which is due to launch its first multi-sensor low earth orbit satellite cluster in 2025 to deliver intelligence in real-time to military customers.
“This is first time the level 6 apprenticeship in Space Systems Engineering will have been delivered to anyone in the UK, providing an opportunity for applicants to be the first apprentices at degree level in this sector,” explained Liddle.
Apprentices will learn on-the-job critical skills at BAE Systems sites in Alton and Guildford, including System and Mission Analysis, Software Development, AOCS (Attitude and Orbit Control System) and Electronics from some of the most talented people in the industry.
At the University of Portsmouth, the apprentices will undertake a Bachelor of Engineering in Space Systems Engineering. This four and half year course will provide them with the very latest skills in Computer Aided Design, Telecommunication Systems, Space Science, Space Mission Design and Materials and Manufacture.
This academic qualification highlights the growth of the UK space sector and how industry and academia are stepping up to provide highly valuable training in this field.
The programme has been influenced and designed with insight from an advisory group comprised of government representatives, space sector leaders and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.
“Degree Apprenticeships offer deep academic subject knowledge accompanied by practical placement experiences, enabling students to learn and adapt in the real world of work while gaining skills and experience at the same time,” said Liddle.
“In an already challenging environment in terms of having the required skills for the future, having apprentices develop and grow within the organisation will only strengthen our position now and in the future.”
Liddle added: “The Space Systems Degree Apprenticeship will support the closing of the skills gap for years to come, but the work doesn’t stop there.
“In 2023, BAE Systems announced a record-breaking recruitment drive in 2024 with almost 2,700 new apprentice and graduate opportunities available to young people across the UK.
“The company has more than doubled its early careers intake over the past five years, making a significant contribution to the UK economy and offering more young people than ever the prospect of exciting long-term careers supporting the nation’s armed forces and security services.
“Supporting a breadth of alternative routes into tech roles is important to our business when it comes to addressing the skills gap, bolstering the future talent pipeline and encouraging greater diversity of thought across all of our teams.
“One example being our partnership with Code First Girls which aims to attract and retain diverse cybersecurity developers and software engineers from a range of backgrounds and experiences. Through a programme of introductory coding classes and the Full Stack CFG degree, BAE Systems Digital Intelligence and In-Space Missions have hired 27 women since 2022, the majority being career switchers.
“Giving women free access to opportunities to upskill is imperative to bringing more women into the tech industry, no matter where they are in their career, their experience or background.”
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