The sky is no limit as Airbus shows its commitment to the next generation of space engineers in Portsmouth
City continues to work in partnership to strengthen its aerospace legacy
Portsmouth’s commitment to develop the next generation of space engineers and technicians was evident as Airbus Defence and Space staged its 2026 Early Careers Showcase.
The showcase featured representatives from local authorities, Havant and South Downs College, the University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Solent Growth Partnership, Chichester University, Guildford-based satellite company SSTL and the South Central Regional Defence Security Cluster. In total the event attracted more than 120 people.
“Our Early Careers Showcase celebrates the diversity of talents in our business and community - from our brilliant apprentices, interns, and graduates to the local student groups and institutes that we work closely with. We are committed to developing the next generation of space engineers and technicians, laying the foundations for the future and building on our space heritage in the UK,” said Kata Escott, Airbus Defence and Space UK Managing Director.
The showcase celebration comes just over a year after Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin opened the purpose-built Early Careers Centre in Portsmouth – which is integral to helping new starters develop their space careers. Airbus Defence and Space currently has 210 graduates, interns and apprentices, and 92 more new recruits will join this year. In the last 10 years Airbus Defence and Space has taken on more than 1,000 graduates and apprentices, training them to play key roles in the space economy.
Ms Martin said: “It’s been fantastic to see such a wide range of engagement from industry, academia and local organisations today, all committed to supporting early careers in our vibrant space economy. This event is a testament to Airbus's leadership in bringing these partners together and demonstrates that investing in early careers benefits not only individual organisations, but also the wider space economy and our local community,.”
Airbus Portsmouth’s Early Careers Centre includes a replica spacecraft clean-room, a horizontal satellite panel with mechanical ground support equipment, 3D printers, a ‘cobot’ or collaborative robot designed to work alongside humans, and ultra-high magnitude microscope needed for production, all key to giving new entrants key skills and competencies.