In 2023, Serco Middle East launched its new Graduate Space Programme, successfully recruiting an inaugural cohort of young national engineers.
This followed the launch in March 2023 of our new Middle East Space Division, based in Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
With the growth of its international reputation in the space industry a key pillar in the KSA national strategy, Vision 2030, the KSA Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) is tasked with ensuring that local talent is nurtured and developed in what is still a developing sector for the nation.
Through its Saudi Space Division, Serco will utilise more than 40 years of space experience globally to develop the talent and skills of national residents within relevant fields. The launch of its graduate programme is the first phase in ensuring the transfer of operational knowledge and capabilities to young engineers and scientists in KSA. The space-specific programme is the first of its kind in KSA and Serco.
"With Serco’s experience in space it seemed only right that we move quickly to begin transferring our knowledge and expertise to the next generation to proactively support nationalisation goals," said Amar Vora, Head of Space for Serco Middle East.
"Our first cohort will benefit from valuable placements that will equip them with the skills and know-how to support Saudi’s own ambitions. Serco is a proud partner of the Saudi government, and the launch of this specialised graduate programme is a demonstration of our commitment to the country and our best possible contribution in ensuring Saudi has the local talent it needs to become a world leader in space.”
Taking up exciting new 'Graduate Spacecraft Operations Engineer' and 'Graduate Space Data Engineer' roles, our new colleagues will benefit from on-the-job training in placements lasting 3-6 months at space facilities in Europe. These will provide international exposure through Serco and our partners, and the opportunity to apply skills and knowledge in a global setting.
On their return to KSA the graduates will continue their development – through theoretical lessons, on-the-job training, shadowing and mentorship – with the aim of deploying them into our own operational contracts in the Middle East space sector.
Sarah Alhabbas, Serco Graduate Spacecraft Operations Engineer, said:
“I am impressed by Serco's commitment to growth and development and thrilled to be a part of a team that shares my values and is committed to their vision of impacting a better future. I look forward to working closely with and learning from inspiring leaders across the Space sector and being involved in real-world applications, solving challenges that will expand my skills.”
