Hosted by Hull College in partnership with Space Hub Yorkshire, The Workforce Beneath the Satellites brought together educators, employers and space industry leaders to explore how the UK can develop the skilled workforce needed to support a growing space economy.
The event showcased the wide range of careers that power the space sector, from engineering and manufacturing to digital, data, cyber and logistics roles. Speakers included Debra Gray MBE, Principal and CEO of Hull College; Matt Child, Managing Director of Mach Space Ltd; Emma Hatton, Director of Earth Observation Services and Solutions; Georgia Halston, Group CEO of Halston Group and Ambassador for the Space Women Alliance; John Yarham, Chief Executive of The Careers & Enterprise Company; together with Glenn MacCauley and Gareth Preece from Space Hub Yorkshire.
The event also served as the launch platform for Hull College’s new STAR and ORBIT programmes, two initiatives designed to strengthen the connection between education and the Space sector, helping learners develop the skills, experiences and industry engagement needed to access career opportunities.
A particular highlight was the opening address from Debra Gray CBE, who delivered an inspirational and passionate call to action around the skills challenge facing the UK space sector. Her message reinforced the vital role that further education colleges can play in developing the talent needed to support the industry’s future growth and highlighted the opportunity for learners to pursue rewarding careers across the wider space economy.
The event’s collaborative and practical tone was reflected by Gareth Preece, who described skills development as a “contact sport”. His message was clear: if industry wants colleges, universities and training providers to produce the workforce it needs, employers must actively engage with the education system. Rather than expecting skills providers to anticipate future demand in isolation, businesses have a responsibility to help shape curricula, share insight on emerging requirements and work directly with educators to create clear pathways into employment.
Throughout the day, discussions focused on strengthening talent pipelines, building closer relationships between industry and education, and ensuring the UK has the workforce required to realise its space ambitions. As a key partner in the event, Space Hub Yorkshire played a central role in bringing together stakeholders from across the space, skills and education communities, helping to position Yorkshire as an important contributor to the future growth of the UK space sector.