GC Insights: Space sector careers resources in the UK need a greater diversity of roles

TL;DR

This paper identifies gaps in UK space sector careers resources, highlighting the need for greater diversity of roles and more accurate representations to improve STEM participation.

Contribution

It compiles a diverse set of space-related jobs to develop a more inclusive and accurate careers resource for the UK space sector.

Findings

Current resources lack role diversity

Existing materials may reinforce misconceptions

New resource aims to improve STEM engagement

Abstract

Educational research highlights that improved careers education is needed to increase participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Current UK careers resources concerning the space sector, however, are found to perhaps not best reflect the diversity of roles present and may in fact perpetuate misconceptions about the usefulness of science. We, therefore, compile a more diverse set of space-related jobs, which will be used in the development of a new space careers resource.