Launch Your Career in Space: UK Space Agency Opens 50 Paid Internships for Students

The UK Space Agency has launched Skills for Space, a new internship programme offering 50 paid placements across the UK space sector. This initiative is designed to give young people hands-on experience and industry exposure, serving as a launchpad into one of the UK's fastest-growing industries.

Addressing Recruitment Challenges in the Space Sector

The programme comes at a critical time for the sector, which faces significant recruitment difficulties. According to the most recent Space Skills Survey:

• 80% of space organisations faced recruitment challenges, up from 61% in 2020.
• More than half reported skills gaps in their current workforce.
• 61% identified gaps in job applicants.
• Nearly every organisation surveyed (95%) experienced skills-related challenges.

Programme Details and Impact

Skills for Space will run for eight weeks in July and August 2026, providing undergraduates and Further Education students with hands-on experience on real-world projects that contribute directly to the UK space economy. The programme is a strategic investment in the UK's future workforce, aiming to close critical skills gaps in:

• Engineering
• Software
• Data science
• Professional competencies

Leadership Perspectives

Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, emphasized: "The UK space sector is growing rapidly, and we need talented, diverse people to help us seize the opportunities ahead. Skills for Space will give young people from all backgrounds the chance to gain real-world experience and develop the skills our industry needs."

Ben Stern, UKspace Vice Chair and Chair of the Space Skills Advisory Panel, added: "This scheme will help to raise awareness of the fantastic roles available in the UK space sector and break down barriers to entry. Experience shows that successful internships can be an opening to longer term employment."

Application Information

Applications for internship candidates are now open, with placements being announced in May. For more information about the UK Space Agency Skills for Space Internship Programme, visit the application page.

Broader Context

The UK space sector already employs more than 55,000 people and generates £18.6 billion for the economy. Internships are one of many routes into a space career, alongside apprenticeships, graduate schemes, and direct entry roles across various areas.

David Edwards FRAeS, Chief Executive of the Royal Aeronautical Society, commented: "Initiatives like Skills for Space will help to inspire the next generation of talent, and give young people practical experience and support pathways for a future career in space."

Through this initiative, the UK Space Agency is strengthening the talent pipeline, supporting SMEs and larger organisations, and driving innovation and growth across the UK space sector.