Hull College launches ORBIT programme

A further and higher education institution has launched a new programme aimed at opening up careers in the UK’s growing space sector.

Hull College has developed ORBIT – Opening Routes Between Industry Talent – to introduce learners to the range of jobs connected to space by embedding the subject into existing vocational courses.

Created through a Space Universities Network special project with funding from the UK Space Agency, the programme comprises 12 flexible micromodules aimed at Level 2 and Level 3 learners.

Rather than treating space solely as a STEM subject, ORBIT will demonstrate its relevance to disciplines including engineering, digital and artificial intelligence, construction, manufacturing, logistics, cyber security, business, hospitality, agriculture and health and care.

Modules cover topics including Satellites and Everyday Life, Farming from Space, Food Beyond Earth, Space Tourism, Orbital Sustainability, Design in Microgravity, Cyber Security and Settlements Beyond Earth.

The Farming from Space module has been developed and piloted with Bishop Burton College, drawing on its expertise in agriculture and related industries.

Hull College principal and chief executive Debra Gray CBE said: “When people think about working in space, their first thought is often astronauts or scientists. 

“But they are really only the tip of the iceberg.

“The space sector needs engineers, manufacturers, digital specialists, people working in AI and cyber security, logistics, construction, business, law, healthcare and many other areas. 

“These are exactly the kinds of skills further education develops every day.

“Universities are excellent at what they do. 

“They are the innovators, researchers and pioneers in the space sector, but the missing conversation is about who is going to build, operate and maintain the infrastructure around that innovation.

“In 20 years, the space sector will be far more technician-based than it is today. 

“ORBIT is about starting to build that pipeline of talent now.”

Each module takes around 60 to 90 minutes and can be delivered independently or incorporated into an existing course.

The digital, classroom-ready resources include an interactive online course, tutor lesson, learner workbook and assessment, with colleges able to introduce them without redesigning courses, seeking additional qualification approval or investing in specialist facilities.

Hull College ultimately aims to make ORBIT available free to colleges nationwide, helping develop a broader pipeline of technically and vocationally skilled workers for the space industry.

The UK space sector comprises more than 1900 organisations and employs more than 55,000 people, but Debra says awareness of its career opportunities remains limited while skills shortages pose a growing challenge.

She added: “Space is critical national infrastructure, but for many people it still feels distant and inaccessible. 

“There is also a major issue around who we are currently reaching.

“Talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t. 

“Further education is inclusive by its very nature and that means we have an enormous role to play in opening this industry up to people who may not previously have imagined that space could be for them.

“That includes adult learners, women returning to work, neurodivergent people, people with disabilities and those from other backgrounds which are currently under-represented within the industry.

“ORBIT is about aspiration as much as skills. 

“It is about showing learners that the skills they are already developing can lead to careers they may never have considered.

“There isn’t currently a national space curriculum, so ORBIT is our answer to that.

“We are not asking colleges to create completely new programmes. 

“We are giving them something flexible which can be dropped into what they already do, making the UK space sector visible to learners who already have many of the skills it needs.

“This is the start of a solution to a much bigger workforce challenge, and it is hugely exciting that it is being led from Hull.

“Why shouldn’t something which could help shape the future workforce of the space industry start here in Hull?”

The college is a member of the Space Universities Network (SUN), which brings together organisations involved in space research and education, with ORBIT selected as one of two special projects for 2026-27.

Ian Raper, co-chair of SUN, added: “SUN is all about enhancing the quality and availability of support and resources to the UK Further and Higher Education space community. 

“Hull’s project aims and vision perfectly aligned with our goals and supports bringing FE and HE closer together to address the sectors skills gap. 

“This project is excellently placed to address an important stage in the talent pipeline, and we are delighted to be working with Debra and her team.”

Hull College will also host the Building the Workforce Beneath the Satellites conference with Space Hub Yorkshire on October 8 as part of World Space Week.

The event will bring together leaders from the space sector, industry and further education to explore how the UK can develop the workforce needed to support the sector’s future growth.

To find out more about the conference and to register, click here.

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