Space Career Launchpad: Building a diverse workforce in the EU Space Sector

The Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) is excited to announce the Space Career Launchpad, a new initiative designed to bolster the EU space sector by bridging the skills gap and fostering a skilled, inclusive, and diverse workforce.

The European Union's space industry is on an upward trajectory, and the Space Career Launchpad is our commitment to ensuring that this growth is supported by a talented pool of professionals. The initiative targets three key objectives: empowering the next generation of young space professionals; facilitating cross-industry mobility and building a robust workforce ready to propel the EU space sector to new heights.

Our comprehensive analysis has identified a critical gap between the hard and soft skills provided by current educational curricula and the needs of the space industry. We also recognise the importance of first work experiences, such as internships, which are instrumental for graduates entering the workforce. Increasing diversity within the space sector is also imperative, as we currently see a significant underrepresentation of women.

To address these challenges, the Space Career Launchpad offers a virtual community and gateway to the broader EU space ecosystem. The platform features a job board for internships and entry-level positions, internship vouchers to support students in their first work experiences, and educational resources to guide students through space-related education programmes and career paths.

The initiative is not just about connecting talent with opportunities; it's about igniting a passion for space careers among young people. Through our awareness-raising campaign, we aim to highlight the diverse and exciting career opportunities available in the space sector.

We invite stakeholders, industry entities, and students to join us in shaping the future space workforce. Whether you're looking to champion the initiative, recruit future talents, or kickstart your career in space, the Space Career Launchpad is your launchpad to success.

Join us in this exciting endeavour and become a part of the next generation of space professionals!

For more information and to get involved, visit the Space Career Launchpad platform today.

Check out this video for more info!