24 Nov Space Careers for Students
Last week Earth and Space Science teacher Sandy Collier had the opportunity to visit RocketLab in Auckland and learn about their business, people, and job opportunities coming up over the next decade in the New Zealand space industry. Sandy elaborates on her experience below:
“Thirteen educators from across New Zealand were selected to attend the first Space Educators programme in Mt Wellington at RocketLab’s mission control and rocket building factory. The programme provided us with close-up insights into rocket-building activities and stages of manufacturing, including avionics and rocket bodies. Of course, the details are RocketLab’s IP, but I can say the technology and innovation is pretty groundbreaking!
“We had some time with the company founder, Peter Beck, where he shared his story. We also interacted with professionals from different parts of the business: engineering, design, occupational health and safety, composites manufacturing, operational management and software development, where they shared their paths into the space industry – all different and few with conventional education backgrounds.
“Some future opportunities that exist for our students include a range of internships and scholarships offered, plus the chance for a class to visit RocketLab’s facilities next year.”