Space South Central Cluster in collaboration with the University of Surrey and Experis Academy, invite you to join us for a workshop with leading voices from across the UK space sector to tackle a critical shared challenge: the widening skills gap.

We’ll begin with opening remarks from Professor Adam Amara, University of Surrey – Director of Space Strategy & UK Space Agency Chief Scientist, who will set the stage by exploring why this issue is urgent—and how shifting from competition to collaboration can help us address it.

Next, Heidi Thiemann from the Space Skills Alliance will present the latest data on workforce shortages in the sector. This will lead into an open discussion where we invite your perspectives: Do these findings reflect your experience? What roles or capabilities are hardest to fill? Your input will help shape a more accurate and actionable picture of the sector’s needs.

We’ll then turn to solutions, drawing lessons from other industries. Michael Noone, Head of Experis Academy, will share practical strategies that are already delivering results, followed by Keith Ryden and Susan Jason from the University of Surrey, who will showcase how Experis’ defence-sector upskilling model can be successfully adapted for space.

We’ll close by reflecting on the insights shared and issuing a call to action: let’s work together to grow the talent base our sector needs to thrive—through collaboration, not competition.