Thursday 8 October 2026, 10.00am–3.00pm
As the UK space economy grows, where will its future workforce come from?
Hosted by Hull College as part of World Space Week and developed with Space Hub Yorkshire, this national event will bring together leaders from the space sector, industry and Further Education to explore how we build the skilled workforce the sector needs.
The UK’s space sector needs far more than astronauts and scientists. Its growth relies on engineers, technicians, manufacturers, digital and data specialists, cyber professionals, construction, and infrastructure expertise, logistics and many of the technical skills already being developed in colleges and industries across the country.
The day will focus on three perspectives:
Space Hub Yorkshire and sector leaders will set out where the UK space economy is heading, the opportunities emerging across Yorkshire and the Humber, and what that means for future skills and jobs.
Employers will bring the reality: where skills shortages are already being felt, what roles are emerging and what industry needs from the education and skills system now.
Further Education leaders will consider how our sector responds, including the launch of STAR: Space Tertiary Applied Routes, bringing colleges together around skills, curriculum, industry engagement and opportunity, alongside Project ORBIT, Hull College’s practical approach to embedding space within mainstream technical education.
The Conference
This is about moving from conversation to action – creating stronger partnerships, shaping curriculum, supporting industry placements and opening new routes into the space economy.
Arrival: 9.30am
Conference: 10.00am–3.00pm
Location: Hull College, Wilberforce Drive, Hull, HU1 3DG
A light lunch will be provided by our multi award-winning Bilocca training restaurant.