“Fly me to the moon…”
Landing on the moon in the 1960s was indeed a giant leap for mankind. But there are still lightyears of space to explore in our solar system and beyond. Come to think of it, the space industry is just getting started.
If the great unknown is your goal, a space apprenticeship is the rocket that can get you there. We’ve put together all the need-to-know info about entry-level careers and apprenticeships in the space industry in this helpful guide.
The basics: Can I get a career in the space industry with an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships, particularly Level 6 and Level 7 programmes, are the ultimate launchpad for a career in the space sector. They’re designed to give you hands-on experience alongside formal training, meaning you’ll earn while you learn.
Although some university courses offer work experience placements for students, apprenticeships provide you with long-term and consistent exposure to the real world of work. Just think: it’ll set your CV on fire (in a good way) when you already have four years of space industry experience in your early twenties.
Whether you’re passionate about robotics, materials, software, or systems engineering, there are apprenticeships out there to suit every person.
Types of space apprenticeships
Space systems engineering apprenticeship
This is the most popular space-related career pathway. Doing a space systems engineering apprenticeship can give you advanced skills in a range of areas, from coding to satellite manufacturing and thermal design. It’s a great all-rounder and a springboard to start your career.
Robotics engineering apprenticeships
We’re talkin’ rovers for exploring planets, robotic arms for spacecraft maintenance and automated systems for satellite deployment. A robotics engineering apprenticeship gives you hands-on experience in the mechanics and programming that brings this robotics technology to life.
Materials engineering apprenticeships
There are extreme conditions in space, and the temperature and radiation levels can be drastic and dangerous. Material engineering apprenticeships will teach you all about material properties and how to test them for usage in harsh environments on space missions.
Software development apprenticeships
A software development apprenticeship provides the coding and engineering skillset you’ll need to specialise in the space sector. For example, software is needed for everything from satellite communication and navigation systems.
Entry requirements
First, let’s talk academics. You’ll need a minimum of five GCSEs, including English, mathematics, and science-based subjects, at grades 9-4. Higher-level opportunities like degree apprenticeships might expect you to have A Levels (or equivalent qualifications like BTECs) in STEM subjects.
Be sure to brush up on your industry knowledge before you do any interviews. Check out the Space Skills Alliance for loads of info about the space industry, training programmes, free resources and more. The website is designed for employers and training providers, but you can still find some gems of information. While you’re at it, take a look at the Prospero Space Fellowship website – they’re a training provider that offers mentorship and networking opportunities to help you get into the space industry.
Extra tips
You might wonder why this list doesn’t include ‘astronaut apprenticeship.’ Well, that’s because ‘astronaut’ isn’t really an entry-level job pathway – instead, you become an astronaut through specialised training programmes that you’ll get into via other roles.
For example:
- You might become an expert in a STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subject, such as an aerospace engineer. You can achieve this through a degree-level apprenticeship.
- Then, you can get an entry-level position at a company in relevant sectors like space, aerospace, software or defence.
- As your career progresses, you can keep your eye out for viable astronaut positions with companies like NASA or the European Space Agency (ESA).
There are no apprenticeships at NASA, but their summer internship opportunities are available for international students. Stick an application in, it won’t hurt…
Apprenticeship levels – what they mean for space apprenticeships
UK apprenticeships are categorised as levels (2-7) based on the experience and qualifications required to apply and those you will earn at the end of the programme. The levels are as follows:
- Level 2 (intermediate) – equivalent to 5 GCSEs (grades 9 to 4)
- Level 3 (advanced) – equivalent to 2 A-levels
Many of Airbus’ Craft and Technical Apprenticeships are Level 3.
- Levels 4 and 5 (higher) – equivalent to a foundation degree
The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) facilitates Level 4 apprenticeships in DevOps, software engineering, mechanical engineering and more.
The Ministry of Defence’s Level 7 Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprenticeship is one of the most popular in the UK. Plus, the European Space Agency has entry-level positions you can apply for after you’ve completed a degree apprenticeship.
Sector spotlight
We’ve already mentioned the value of software apprenticeships in helping you get a job in the space industry. In fact, it’s so important that we’re championing it again here as a sector spotlight.
Behind every successful mission, there’s a complex network of software. You might’ve noticed more ‘spacetech’ startups in the news – basically, there are a growing number of small companies making waves (or solar flares, we should say) in the industry. A lot of them are software companies that provide innovative, new solutions for tasks like spacecraft control and space environment simulation.
Relax. We’ll send the jobs to you.
Reckon you know what you want to do, but can’t find the perfect role? Most companies hire their apprentices in a ‘recruitment window’. This means many great jobs are only available for a short time once or twice each year.
Sign up for our job alerts service, and we’ll send you any jobs that fit your search criteria.
