New National programme - Higher Apprenticeships in Space Engineering

Loughborough College and the National Space Academy programme have been successful in their joint bid to develop a National Engineering Framework for the space sector. From September 2013 Higher Apprenticeship courses in Space Engineering will be delivered at those locations in England where space sector demand is greatest and through operational partnerships between education providers and the companies employing the trainees.
Focused on those actively seeking employment or already working in the sector, the Space Engineering framework will create a national Higher Apprenticeship programme to strengthen the space sector, sustain the industry's growth performance (currently 9% annually) and address one of the major potential hurdles that could stifle growth – the lack of high-level technical entrants into the UK's space sector. They will follow an intensive two-year degree-level engineering course whilst in full-time employment – one that can be topped up to a full Engineering degree with further study.

Dr Martin Killeen, technology business development manager at Loughborough College, said: "The Higher Apprenticeship in  space engineering will provide an accessible route to engineering skills and employment for under-represented groups, particularly women.

"The Loughborough College and National Space Academy joint bid will create a national pathway for around 100 Higher Apprentices every year."