Nova Space: Training the Space Workforce of Tomorrow

Nova Space and Allen Interactions developed the first space educational program designed for all learners, bridging the global space industry gaps by offering virtual, asynchronous, and interactive courses to individuals and organizations. This program was designed to effectively and efficiently train, in large numbers, the space workforce of the future.

The Nova Professional Space Development Program uses industry experience and research through several prominent civilian and Government organizations to identify learning objectives.

Addressing both industry standard practices and knowledge, innovative topics, established topics, and lessons learned, no other course encompasses the scope of material covered.

Every interaction in the course supports core learning objectives. By developing interactions that bridge several topics, this program demonstrates how one area, for example, satellite design, will affect another seemingly unrelated area.

Solution Overview

LEARNING SOLUTION

Blended Learning; Competency & Skill Development

TARGET AUDIENCE

Novice to Expert-Level Space Professional Teams, Individuals, Government, and Academia

CONTENT AREA

Skill Development

INDUSTRY/VERTICAL

Space Professional Education

DELIVERY MODALITY

Desktop/Laptop, Mobile, Tablet

PLATFORM/LANGUAGE

HTML5 Framework (AR5)

Human-Centered Design Approach

Using human-centered design and approaches to innovation, this program was designed and deployed rapidly. The team started by listening to people share their experiences and challenges, empathizing and understanding where they are coming from, and then designing actionable plans that allow for evolution as more information was gathered, solutions were tested, feedback was received, and refinements were made.

Learning Objectives

Aligning Industry Standards

With no official industry standardization of knowledge, credentials, or certifications for professionals in the space industry, there is a significant hurdle to creating an educated workforce and filling the labor pool for massive growth that will be required to sustain the space workforce of the future.

Accessible & Practical Training

Current training solutions are costly, and the lack of practicality and opportunities are manifested in low student throughput at face-to-face events. The alternative e-learning solutions are limited and don’t present research-backed e-learning instructional design methods, and instead present information in a slide deck or video lectures.

Individualized Learning Paths

With the diverse skillsets needed to support the growing space industry, training needs to be highly individualized for different backgrounds. Training must be able to analyze skill gaps intelligently and allow for the exploration of topics while providing learners with challenges to gain proficiency in knowledge and skills.

Supporting Industry Growth

There is a need for an alternative talent pipeline to continue growth in the industry, and there is a high barrier to entry in this industry. Currently, the Government lacks the internal capacity needed to meet its current and future forecasted needs. On-the-job and mentorship programs have not yet been developed at scale; furthermore, current programs are not comprehensive.

Learning Outcomes

Increased Efficiency and Confidence

Organizations have seen increased competence and confidence, increased productivity, improved internal and external communications, increased retention and talent acquisition rates, and increased sales through more profitable opportunities, fewer missed opportunities, and more relevant customers.

Individualized Learning Experiences

Nova Space’s Professional Development Program provides individualized learning experiences through the analysis of skill gaps, which provides students with the freedom to choose and explore topics they are motivated by and attempt challenges without the risk of boring or demoralizing educated individuals who have prior space industry experience.

Practice of Skills Through Simulations

Students can make mistakes in a safe, virtual environment using distributed practice of core skills. The program challenges students in a simulated environment, allowing them to visualize the consequences of poor choices and demonstrating how one decision affects others.

Faster Times to Competency

A major benefit of the asynchronous program is the significantly decreased time to competency. In contrast to the 10+ years to gain the required level of knowledge (not experience) in current models, Nova Space’s Professional Development Program can be completed in 22-30 course hours.

Nova Wins Three Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence Awards!

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Nova Space and Allen Interactions won three coveted 2022 Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence Awards for its premier workforce development programs for space professionals.

- Best Advance in Custom Content, Gold
- Best Advance in Competencies and Skills Development, Bronze
- Best Unique or Innovative Learning and Development Program, Bronze

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Making a Difference in the Aerospace Industry

“The course can be taken virtually anywhere, without the need for coordination and travel, at a fraction of the cost it would take to send a Marine to training. I can state with certainty that the course satisfies the needs of the Marine Corps to provide training commensurate with the level required to be considered a qualified Marine Space Professional.”

Course Participant U.S. Marine Corps Professional

“All sectors of the space domain require team members to experience the interdependencies of their unique areas of expertise, based on a common understanding of space fundamentals, to ensure mission success; the Nova Space Professional Course delivers that experience.”

Course Participant Department of Defense Space Professional