National Space Academy’s Year 12 Space Sector Career Conference
Year 12 Maths and Physics students enjoyed a day out at the National Space Centre in Leicester, where they attended the first Space Sector Careers Conference.
Students had the opportunity to hear from people working in the space sector, explaining the variety of roles they have undertaken and their route into the industry. The UK Space Industry has an annual turnover of £13.7bn and employs 38,500 people. It continues to grow year-on-year.
The UK Space Innovation and Growth Strategy have a target of achieving 10% of the global space market, which is estimated to be £400 billion by 2030. To achieve this the industry needs young people to choose science and engineering options.
The conference aimed to show the diversity of careers available within the space sector, with insights from academic and vocational options. Information sessions included presentations from:
- Ben Burslam of ITP Aero, a Design and Test Engineer who graduated from Loughborough University
- Dr. Mark Gallaway, a science communicator, astronomer & author who consults on television documentaries and science fiction series
- Jacob Smith from UKSEDS/SpaceCareers.uk, who, gained a masters at Cranfield University studying Astronautics & Space Engineering
- Sgt Alan Winchester who explained the vital role undertaken by the RAF in relation to the space industry in connection with national security
- Dr Alice Young, a postdoctoral researcher within the theoretical astrophysics group at the University of Leicester, who spoke about her work on exoplanets.
Students gained an opportunity to ‘Meet The Scientist’, in an informal session aimed at students undertaking their questions and answers to find out exactly how the experts had progressed from further education into their current roles. This type of research is vital to students looking to gain insights into how to start their journeys.
The day ended with a keynote speaker, Jennifer Carter, exploring her work of understanding the troubled relationship between the Sun and the Earth. Jennifer is a physicist who studied Physics with Astrophysics at the University of Bristol, before working at the National Physical Laboratory running optical experiments. Her speech was insightful in explaining the range of careers available to those interested in research posts.
This was an informative day for our students, who are considering new career pathways.