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Aerospace Industry: Higher Education

Asked by Sir Oliver DowdenConservativeDepartment for EducationTabled Answered 7 September 2026UIN 21186

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, on aligning university aerospace engineering curricula with the practical, hands-on skills required by the UK space industry.

Answered by Department for Education

My right. Hon Friend, the Secretary of State has not had discussions with My right. Hon Friend, the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade on this issue. Universities are autonomous institutions and are responsible for determining the content of their courses. The government recognises the important role universities play in supporting economic growth, innovation and the development of highly skilled graduates. Through Skills England, government works with employers to identify current and future skills needs and to support better alignment between education and workforce demand across the economy.

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