In honour of World Space Week, we asked our friends at the Spacetime Development Education, to share how they’re helping young people discover opportunities in the space industry. Below, Lea Ringler, Head of Educational Outreach, introduces their approach: inform, inspire and involve.
But first, if you’re in the Manchester area, we also have two exciting opportunities for you to bring your pupils and hear directly what it’s like to work in the space industry:
Steve Ringler, Founder of Spacetime Development, who has worked in the Space industry for nearly 25 years, will join our Year 12 Study Day in Bolton on Wednesday 11th November.
We will also be joined by a female space expert at our Year 10 Girls in Physics in Bolton on Tuesday 10th November.
Both events will give students the opportunity to explore the possibilities of working in the space sector and the different routes into it.
How Spacetime Development helps young women discover the possibilities of space – and see that they belong in its future
For many young women, a career in space can feel distant and, in many ways, dominated by men. Spacetime Development is changing that perception by making the sector understandable, exciting and accessible – and by showing girls how their skills and talents can contribute to its future.
Inform: Making the Space Industry Visible
Young people cannot aspire to opportunities they have never encountered. We introduce careers spanning science, engineering and satellite technology, as well as law, design, communications, sustainability, data and business. Accessible resources, conversations with professionals and practical guidance connect curiosity with real routes into study, training and work.
Inspire: Turning Curiosity into Possibility
Relatable role models make a distant industry feel possible. We love connecting young women with female mentors from the space sector – exploring the questions they asked, the setbacks they overcame and the unexpected paths they took – while introducing them to industry roles in tangible ways, such as work experience, apprenticeships and internships.
Involve: Learning by Doing
Information and inspiration are only the beginning. Through hands-on coding and technical challenges, young people investigate, design, discuss, collaborate and solve problems. These experiences build creativity, critical thinking, teamwork and confidence.
Building a Space Sector That Reflects Everyone
Talent is everywhere, but the route forward can often lead to unnecessary obstacles. No one should have to match a narrow image of who belongs in space. Different perspectives and lived experiences strengthen ideas, teams and solutions; widening participation is both fair and essential to the industry’s future.
We’ve created the Space for All Foundation to open up further opportunities not only for young girls, but for all under-represented groups. Join us in our mission to see more young people of all backgrounds and abilities reach for the stars!
Lea Ringler is the Head of Educational Outreach at Spacetime Development and the Shop Manager at their retail and experience shop in the Oxford Covered Market, Space Store. She loves speaking to young people about their dreams and aspirations, whether in the space sector or beyond!
Here’s a reminder of how your students can learn more at Our Upcoming Events
Want to help your students discover where physics could take them? Join us at one of our upcoming events, featuring speakers from Space Store:
- Year 12 Study Day – Bolton, featuring Steve Ringler, CEO and Founder at Space Store.
- Girls in Physics Year 10 Day, featuring a female speaker (TBC) from Space Store.
Follow the links for event details and to book places for your students!
