David Willetts has praised a pioneering programme developed by Loughborough College in association with the National Space Academy and heard from College students about the new opportunities it offers for training.
Speaking at the launch event at STFC’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Harwell, Oxford, the Science Minister said: “The UK space industry is a major success story. To build on this achievement we need to maintain a good supply of talented scientists and engineers. This new Higher Apprenticeship in Space Engineering is the first of its kind. It will provide people with the advanced skills and knowledge to drive growth and innovation in the space sector, keeping Britain ahead in the global race."
The Higher Apprenticeship will meet the demands of an industry which already employs around 30,000 and contributes over £9 billion to the nation’s economy and is due to triple in size inside two decades with work-based, top quality degree-level training. It follows the success of the Loughborough College and National Space Academy 16+ Space Engineering course.
Dr David Parker, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, added: “Space is big business for the UK and can offer our young people interesting and fruitful careers. Programmes like the Higher Apprenticeship in Space Engineering will help us to nurture the next generation of scientists and engineers, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to boost both our growing space sector and the whole economy.”
Dr Martin Killeen, Head of Engineering at Loughborough College, said: “We have combined our expertise in space engineering education with extensive industry consultation to create a unique and innovative framework which will give young people and employers outstanding opportunities.
“Delivered through partnerships between education providers including Loughborough College, the National Space Academy, the University of Leicester and the space industry companies employing the trainees, the programme will target locations across England where demand is greatest.
Anu Ojha, Director, National Space Academy Programme, added:”One of the major potential hurdles that could stifle the space sector’s growth is a lack of high-level technical entrants. These Higher Apprenticeships, starting in September 2013, will tackle this issue head on, strengthening the industry through academically rigorous, sector-specific two year programmes with a focus on stimulating progression from Advanced Level into degree-level vocational pathways.”
To find out more visit: http://space.loucoll.ac.uk