The UK Space Agency is launching Skills for Space, a new internship programme offering 50 paid placements across the UK space sector to give young people hands-on experience and industry exposure.

The new programme is a UK-wide initiative designed to give students their launchpad into the space sector through structured internships with the space industry.

Skills for Space will offer placements across a range of disciplines and locations, providing participants with practical experience in one of the UK’s fastest-growing industries.

The UK space sector already employs more than 55,000 people and generates £18.6 billion for the economy. Internships are one of many routes into a space career. The sector offers opportunities through apprenticeships, graduate schemes and direct entry roles across a range of areas.

Applications for internship candidates are now open, with placements being announced in May.