Transferable Skills: Bringing Yorkshire and Humber's Engineering Excellence to the Space Sector

The Yorkshire and Humber region has long been recognised for its engineering prowess, robust manufacturing capabilities, and growing technology sector. As the UK space industry continues its impressive growth trajectory—contributing £16.5 billion to the UK economy according to the UK Space Agency's 2022 Size and Health report—our region is uniquely positioned to capitalise on this opportunity through its existing talent pool and transferable skills.

Engineering Excellence in Yorkshire and Humber: A Foundation for Space Innovation

Yorkshire and Humber's engineering heritage spans centuries, from maritime engineering in Hull to advanced manufacturing in Sheffield. This robust foundation provides numerous advantages for businesses looking to diversify into space-related activities.

According to the Engineering UK 2023 report, the Yorkshire and Humber region employs over 140,000 people in engineering roles, with particular strengths in:

• Mechanical engineering
• Electrical systems
• Materials science
• Process engineering
• Structural design

These core competencies align remarkably well with the needs of the space sector. For instance, the precision engineering skills honed in the region's automotive supply chains can be directly applied to satellite component manufacturing, where similar tolerances and quality standards are essential.

From Manufacturing Floor to Spacecraft: Skills That Transfer Seamlessly

The manufacturing expertise concentrated in our region represents a significant opportunity for space sector growth. According to Make UK's 2023 regional manufacturing outlook, Yorkshire and Humber accounts for 9.5% of the UK's total manufacturing output, with particular strengths in:

• Advanced materials processing
• Precision component manufacturing
• Quality assurance systems
• Supply chain management
• Lean production methodologies

These capabilities translate effectively to space manufacturing requirements. Take, for example, the rigorous quality control processes used in food manufacturing or pharmaceutical production in our region. These same methodologies—focused on contamination prevention, traceability, and consistency—are critically important when producing components that must function flawlessly in the harsh environment of space.

Digital Transformation: Computing and Data Science in Space

The University of York, Hull University, and Sheffield Hallam University collectively produce over 2,000 computer science graduates annually, according to HESA data (Higher Education Statistics Agency, 2022). This talent pipeline, combined with the region's growing digital sector, creates another pathway for Yorkshire and Humber businesses to engage with space opportunities.

Transferable computing and data skills include:

• Software development and testing
• Systems integration
• Machine learning and AI
• Big data analytics
• Cybersecurity

Earth observation satellites generate enormous volumes of data that require sophisticated processing techniques. The data science expertise developed in the region's financial services sector or research institutions can be readily applied to extracting valuable insights from satellite imagery or telemetry data.

The Space Supply Chain: Entry Points for Yorkshire and Humber Businesses

The space sector operates through complex, multi-tiered supply chains that offer numerous entry points for businesses with transferable skills. According to the Satellite Applications Catapult, over 95% of space sector companies are SMEs, demonstrating that size is not a barrier to participation.

Regional businesses can find opportunities in:

1. Upstream activities (hardware and launch): Components, materials, testing, integration
2. Midstream operations (satellite operations): Ground stations, control systems, data relay
3. Downstream applications (using space data): Analytics, software solutions, end-user applications

For example, a precision engineering firm currently serving the oil and gas industry could leverage its expertise in producing components that withstand extreme conditions to manufacture satellite parts that must perform reliably in the vacuum of space.

Case Studies: Successful Transitions

Several businesses in the Yorkshire and Humber region have already successfully pivoted to include space sector work:

• A Hull-based maritime engineering firm now applies its expertise in robust communications systems to ground station technology
• Sheffield advanced materials specialists have adapted their high-performance alloys for satellite structural components
• Leeds data analytics companies have expanded their services to include processing and interpreting Earth observation data

The Benefits of Diversification into Space

For businesses considering applying their transferable skills to the space sector, the benefits can be substantial:

• Market growth: The global space economy is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2040, according to Morgan Stanley Research (2022)
• Innovation spillover: Space technology development often yields applications in other sectors
• Resilient revenue streams: Diversification across sectors provides stability
• Talent attraction and retention: Space projects help attract and motivate high-calibre employees
• Funding opportunities: Numerous grants and innovation programmes specifically target space sector development

How Space Humber Can Help

Space Humber provides tailored support for businesses looking to leverage their transferable skills for space sector opportunities:

• Skills gap analysis and development planning
• Introduction to space sector requirements and standards
• Networking with established space businesses
• Access to technical facilities and expertise
• Guidance on funding opportunities and proposal development

Getting Started: Your Pathway to Space

If you're a business in the Yorkshire and Humber region with engineering, manufacturing, computing, or data science capabilities, your transferable skills could be your ticket to the growing space economy. The journey begins with understanding how your existing strengths align with space sector needs.

Contact Space Humber today to arrange a consultation on how your business can leverage its transferable skills for new opportunities in the space sector. Our team can help you identify the most promising entry points based on your specific capabilities and guide you through the process of diversification.

Space Humber is your regional gateway to the UK's growing space sector. As an extension of Space Hub Yorkshire, we provide a collaborative hub at C4Di in Hull offering incubation support, industry connections, and specialised resources to help businesses and individuals thrive in the space economy.