International Youth Day: EUSPA inspiring the next generation of space pioneers

'Different Contexts, Common Aspirations' - the theme of International Youth Day 2026 - celebrates the many paths young people take towards their future. In space, these journeys often begin with curiosity and imagination. EUSPA is helping young people turn that curiosity into the skills needed for tomorrow's space economy.

As Europe's space sector continues to grow, attracting and developing the next generation of talent remains a strategic priority. According to the latest Eurospace Facts & Figures report, Europe's space manufacturing industry recorded more than 68,000 direct industry jobs in 2025. A strong talent pipeline will be key to maintaining Europe's competitiveness and supporting the future evolution of the sector.

EUSPA also plays a role in this. Through education, training and career initiatives, the European Commission and EUSPA are supporting young people as they acquire the skills needed for the future of the EU Space Programme.

Across Europe, a range of initiatives are addressing this skills gap at different education and career stages.

From curiosity to skills

The journey into the space sector can begin long before university. The CASSINI Space Camps offer a first taste. Space enthusiasts aged 14 to 18 can discover how EU Space technologies are used to tackle real-world challenges, following a six-module curriculum covering the EU Space Programme, entrepreneurship, space careers and skills. More than 180 young people participated in the first edition in 2025. The next edition will take place across several different locations, during the autumn 2026 and winter 2027.

At university level, the EU Space Academy Learning Platform, run by EUSPA, is bringing space education into the classroom. Tampere University in Finland has integrated EU Space Academy content into its own teaching, giving students access to modules on the space economy, technologies and applications, policy insights, and security.

From learning to careers

Since 2013, several hundred early-career professionals have gained hands-on experience inside the EU Space Programme through EUSPA's Traineeship Programme. The next traineeship call is expected to launch at the beginning of 2027. And meanwhile, we invite all those interested to learn more to participate in the online EUSPA Career Day on 17 November.

The Space Career Launchpad, an initiative of the European Commission's DG DEFIS, is helping to connect talent, skills and opportunities across the European space ecosystem. Working with employers to promote opportunities, it gives students and young professionals access to internships, jobs, learning resources and career guidance.

Overall, Europe's ambitions for space depend on a steady flow of skilled people. Whether through a summer camp, an online course or a traineeship at EUSPA itself, young people can find different ways to discover the sector, develop their skills and take their first steps towards a career in space.

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