EVONA’s Post

Bridging the Skills Gap I read a really interesting article the other day by Adam Thorn from Space Connect that I thought would fit really well here. I’ve linked it down below - give it a read! It’s definitely worth a few minutes of your time, and it raises some really important issues, specifically in the skill shortages we face with a growing requirement for space industry-based workers. The real question is – how do we bridge the divide? In an interview with Space Connect, Anntonette Dailey, who works with the industry for governmental space relations advisory, mentioned that the technical side of space is its own “ecosystem”. I cannot think of a better way to put this into words. Any project in any industry is a team effort. Skill sets vary from person to person, and even the most junior of executives knows that in order to maximise your efficiency, and the quality of your work, you need to have access to a range of individuals with a range of experiences. From grassroots level roles to big-picture engineers, from PAs to operations managers, each and every person in each and every organisation plays their own crucial role in keeping the mechanism ticking. So what do we do when we remove the grassroots? Or the operations managers? The whole system falls apart. One proposed solution, as discussed by Thorn and Dailey, is to widen the doors of the space industry to individuals who may not have previously considered a career in this field. By leveraging the existing skill sets of professionals and providing tailored training to adapt to the evolving space industry, we can empower individuals to contribute effectively to this dynamic sector. But how do we facilitate this transition? The answer lies in providing easily accessible courses, particularly in micro-credentials, that bridge the gap between existing knowledge and future applications. By equipping individuals with the necessary skills and confidence, we enable them to thrive in an industry poised for exciting growth and innovation. Join us in championing diversity and fostering the next generation of space industry professionals. Together, let's bridge the skills gap and propel the industry forward into a future of limitless possibilities. #SpaceIndustry #SkillsGap #DiversityandInclusion #MicroCredentials #FutureOfWork #AustralianSpaceIndustry https://lnkd.in/gVA8D2wr

I was in a work rut and spent some time with the proverbial question we are almost always asked by managers, recruiters and well intentioned career guides: “So. What do you want to do?” It hung over my head like a thousand pound rock tied to a single thread. I didn’t know. I had never known. From the start of my “career” I just “did” whatever was the job, leaving it much better than when I began. Payroll Manager? Sure. Input and balance payroll, manage union agreements, improve processes, automate, talk angry people down whose manager didn’t turn in their time sheet. HR Recruiting Manager? Sure. Learn recruiting, create and implement hiring process across the board, keep us out of legal trouble with defined hiring practices. Information Security Analyst? Sure. Learn Tenable, rebuild the vuln scanning program, create process, write documentation, build roadmaps, oh and onboard agile cause why not. I like InfoSec, but the rock was still there. What did I want to do? The answer came to me when I read in the news that Ingenuity had taken its first flight. “I want to fly a helicopter on Mars”. Ok gonna be real, I’m not a scientist, NASA engineer or space anything but in my mind’s eye (not reality by any means), I imagined what the team might have felt watching the historic moment. All the testing, challenges, coding, teamwork, debates, decisions, worst case scenarios, all the planning, years of work, practice, and boom. There it went, up into the Martian sky. 72 flights - they expected 5. I want to be around that. I want to be a part of the creativity and problem solving a team goes through to get something to work. Ingenuity is my touchstone. So why write more words then I ever have before on LinkedIn? Well, Ingenuity took its last flight. My little inspirational helicopter has completed its mission, and in doing so, left me with a rather unusual response whenever asked. I want to fly a helicopter on Mars. I’m not there yet, but I snipped the thread on that thousand pound rock and let it peace out to land wherever it wants to. Definitely not on me. Your answer may also look nothing like people tend to expect, but as long as it works for you, run with it. Even write a little story on LinkedIn, cause why not. Thank you Ingenuity. https://lnkd.in/g5N39C8H

Reposting for reach: How can we improve recruiting? The article cited here covers anticipated recruiting challenges for the commercial space industry during its expected expansion over the next few decades. New workers will be needed with a variety of skills, in addition to engineering! I am interested to help brainstorm workforce solutions, for anyone who wants to talk more. I have seen a lot of worrying about the issue, but not a lot of solutions over the past few years! It's clear that bold new ideas are needed in the recruiting world (and not only for the space industry). I would suggest offering alternatives to well-worn 20th century recruiting practices, which can be somewhat slow and inefficient: resume harvesting, job postings, and the like. This is not the only choice we have! There are better ways. Some example alternatives I have seen in my search this year: skill-based challenges, hackathons, open-house events, and rotational or internship programs for experienced workers (in addition to the typical student internships). These offer new ways to get to know candidates in a more personal / authentic way, compared to interviews or career fairs, which give only limited information to both sides. As a candidate, I would certainly pay attention to a hackathon or similar event, since this is such a rare recruiting strategy! Feel free to get in touch if you would like to talk more!

Any industry is made up of companies that rely on each other. Some have a direct relationship, while others have an indirect one. So the space industry operates in a similar way. I have compiled insights on companies, which I have previously shared in space, in an illustration showcasing the interdependency and how this interdependency will only boost growth for the growing demand in some sectors of the space economy. The purpose is to have a preliminary knowledge of some sectors of space and visualize the relationship and opportunities. Take a look at the visuals and good insights I shared: https://lnkd.in/gSUmWs28

Your tech could be key to solving critical U.S. Space Force mission needs. Find out how Hyperspace Challenge is working to get companies in conversation with government innovators in order to accelerate developments within the space industry! There is still time to register for this week's conversation with Gabe Mounce / T.J. Cook / Matthew Fetrow (moderated by Roger Anderson) on what Hyperspace Challenge does, who it is for, and how you can get your company in the running for this year's program: https://lnkd.in/gqRGPcZs

Calendar alert! 📆 You've still got time to register for tomorrow's webinar and get details and answers to your questions on our latest #technology #research opportunity! Join us at 2pm EDT and learn how you can take your R&D to new heights! Register now!

The results of the Space Sector Skills Survey 2023 have now been published! The findings highlight the growing scale and impact of skills gaps across the space sector and the challenges these pose for employers. Half of companies are struggling to recruit, finding it particularly difficult to hire electronics engineers, systems engineers, and spacecraft operators. Find out more at: https://spaceskills.org/s4 #SpaceSectorSkillsSurvey #SpaceWales Space Skills Alliance UK Space Agency know.space

The space sector has seen a significant increase in new players over the past year alone. As the number of nations with thriving space initiatives expands, so does the number of potential projects. The space sector has moved from being a means to compete at an international level to a serious commercial enterprise offering opportunities for new businesses and improving day-to-day lives. The amount space brings to the economy has already grown by £1bn, meaning the country can expect to see a noticeable increase in investment towards job creation, recruitment, and skills development. #SpaceSector #SpaceTech #SpaceIndustry Click the link below to discover more ⬇ https://lnkd.in/eSTWJCeW

Connecting the World: The Rise of Satellite Mega-Constellations in the Private Space Industry 🚀🌐 The private space industry is buzzing with excitement, and right now, the hottest topic is the incredible development of satellite mega-constellations for global internet coverage. 🛰️🌐 Companies like SpaceX with Starlink, Amazon with Project Kuiper, and OneWeb are on a mission to launch thousands of small satellites into low Earth orbit. Their goal? To provide high-speed internet access to even the most remote parts of the world. This ambitious endeavor is set to bridge the digital divide, bringing much-needed connectivity to underserved and isolated communities. Why is this so important? Global Connectivity: Imagine having seamless internet access no matter where you are. This could transform education, healthcare, and business in remote areas. Enhanced Data Transmission: Faster and more reliable data transfer can revolutionize everything from telemedicine to autonomous vehicles. Space Traffic Management: This rapid development also sparks crucial discussions about space debris and the sustainable use of Earth's orbits. As these projects move forward, they're not just changing the tech landscape; they're also highlighting the need for strong regulatory frameworks and innovative solutions to manage space traffic and debris. In addition to SpaceX, Amazon, and OneWeb, companies like Rocket Lab, Relativity Space, Astra, and Orbex are playing vital roles in this exciting era of satellite deployment, providing the necessary launch services to make these mega-constellations a reality. If you're as passionate about space innovation as I am, you should definitely check out the Meshconomy Global Private Space Ecosystem Map. https://lnkd.in/ePuDTsFR . It's an amazing resource that showcases cutting-edge technologies and companies that are revolutionizing the space industry. Explore, connect, and join the pioneers leading us into the future of space! Let's keep the conversation going and be part of this exciting journey! 🌍🚀 #SpaceIndustry #SatelliteConstellations #GlobalInternet #SpaceX #Starlink #AmazonKuiper #OneWeb #RocketLab #RelativitySpace #Astra #Orbex #Innovation #Connectivity #FutureOfSpace #SpaceDebrisManagement #Meshconomy #SpaceTechMap