Calling all budding space scientists and engineers

The UK Space Agency has unveiled Skills for Space – a new internship programme designed to give young people a direct route into one of the country’s fastest‑growing sectors. 

The initiative will offer 50 paid placements across the UK space industry, providing hands‑on experience at a time when employers are facing mounting recruitment challenges.

The launch comes against the backdrop of the latest Space Skills Survey, which found that 80% of organisations struggled to recruit – up sharply from 61% in 2020. 

More than half reported skills shortages within their existing workforce and 61% saw gaps among applicants. Almost all organisations surveyed (95%) said they were dealing with skills‑related obstacles.

‘A chance to gain real-world experience and develop the skills our industry needs’

Running for eight weeks in July and August 2026, the programme is open to undergraduates and Further Education students. 

Interns will work on real‑world projects across engineering, software, data science and professional disciplines, helping to meet sector‑wide demand while promoting diversity and inclusion.

Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said the initiative would “give young people from all backgrounds the chance to gain real-world experience and develop the skills our industry needs,” calling the internships “an investment in the future of UK space.”

While Ben Stern, Vice Chair of UKspace, said it would help raise awareness of career opportunities and break down barriers to entry, the Royal Aeronautical Society hailed the programme as a meaningful step toward tackling the sector’s long-running skills shortages.

Applications are now open, with placements set to be confirmed in May.