SPACE JOBS IN WALES MORE THAN DOUBLE
Sector can bring skilled and well paid work to the country
SPACE jobs in Wales have more than doubled in the last financial year, reveal figures released by the UK Space Agency.
Employment in Wales’ space sector grew by 694, rising from 415 in 2019 to 1,109 in 2020, according to new figures published in the ‘Size and Health of the UK Space Industry 2021’ survey.
In February Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething unveiled the National Space Strategy for Wales, Wales: A Sustainable Space Nation.
The strategy highlights the unique physical and business environment Wales offers companies that are revolutionising capabilities in the space sector.
Rural airfields like Llanbedr in Gwynedd are ideal launch sites for the sector while firms like Raytheon and Qioptiq are at the forefront of the supply of space-qualified glass used in satellites and space vehicles.
This is part of a wider growth in employment across the UK space sector, which reached 46,995 in 2020, up from 44,040 in 2019, an increase of 2,955 (6.7%), despite the global impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Overall sector income increased in nominal terms from £16.4 billion to £16.5 billion in 2020.
The first satellite developed in Wales is due to be launched from Spaceport Cornwall this summer in what is being branded as an historic moment for the UK space industry.
Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said: “It’s very promising to see employment in this sector in Wales more than double to over 1,000 highly skilled and well-paid jobs.
“And with the launch of a Welsh-built satellite, I’m confident this growth will only continue.”
Wales’ Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething said: “The global space industry is rapidly transforming.
“In all our day to day lives we are becoming more reliant on the space sector and the data it provides, from weather forecasting, internet banking and Sat Nav in our vehicles.”
“Wales has a track record of delivering high value manufacturing and innovation which puts a vibrant cluster of space industry leaders operating here in a prime position to flourish in this growing sector.”