Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 4
4
Accepted
Paragraph: 43
There is a clear challenge for the Government in addressing skills shortages and recruitment and...
Conclusion
There is a clear challenge for the Government in addressing skills shortages and recruitment and retention difficulties in the space sector. Meeting this challenge will require a long-term, holistic approach to education and workforce development. Encouraging an interest in STEM subjects and space careers from a young age will be vital.
Government Response Summary
The government states that work is ongoing across government to inspire the future workforce and that the space sector and academia continue to benefit from broader support in STEM and other skills initiatives delivered by UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) . Defence participates in a regular forum that exists for officials to coordinate and progress delivery of this ambition across government.
Paragraph Reference:
43
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The UK has a renowned science and technology sector with a strong talent pipeline. The National Space Strategy (NSS) and Defence Space Strategy (DSS) place particular importance on the space sector having the right skills and expertise for both civil and military purposes. Work is ongoing across Government to inspire the future workforce. The proposed UK Space Agency (UKSA) Inspiration programme will seek to inspire young people of all backgrounds into STEM, raise awareness of space across society, and improve the sector’s access to skilled people. The space sector and academia continue to benefit from broader support in STEM and other skills initiatives delivered by UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) as well as being championed overseas through programmes such as DIT’s Global Talent Network. Defence recognises the importance of a long-term holistic approach to education and workforce development. We are working closely with partners across Government, but also with industry and with leading academic centres around the country to ensure a joined-up approach to addressing skills gaps in the UK space sector. Defence participates in a regular forum that exists for officials to coordinate and progress delivery of this ambition across government. While Defence is leading the establishment of the Space Academy, we are working with BEIS with industry and academic centres to identify where it may be able to meet broader civil needs in future alongside other space workforce initiatives.