Bluesky supports careers drive to inspire tomorrow’s geospatial talent

Bluesky International is supporting Time for Geography as it launches the UK’s largest ever careers awareness initiative for the geography, geoscience and environmental sectors. At a time when the world urgently needs more geospatial expertise to tackle challenges from climate resilience to sustainable development, inspiring the next generation of professionals has never been more important.

Founded over 20 years ago in the UK, Bluesky has a long-standing commitment to education and to encouraging future geospatial professionals. Time for Geography highlights that more students than ever are choosing geography in their GCSE, A-Level and university studies. This new programme aims to build on that enthusiasm by positioning geography as a clear career pathway at a time when demand for geoscience and environmental expertise is rapidly growing.

From classroom to career

“Geography is now the primary gateway into the UK’s geoscience talent pool, but careers awareness has lagged behind student enthusiasm,” said Dr Rob Parker, platform director at Time for Geography. “This intervention ensures that today’s students can see the direct pathways from their studies into industries shaping the future of our planet.”

Rachel Tidmarsh, CEO of Bluesky, said: “As a growing business with a strong track record of innovation and the development of unique, market-leading geospatial products, we are delighted to see increasing interest in geography as a subject of study. Awareness of the impact and wide-ranging applications of geospatial products and services is growing, particularly as our environment continues to change. At Bluesky, we support an exceptionally diverse range of sectors, and a career with us, or within the wider geospatial industry, offers variety, interest and the opportunity for continuous learning.”

Inspiring the next generation

“Our R&D programme already works closely with universities, and one example is the current Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) we have in place with the University of Leicester,” Tidmarsh continued. “Additionally, as an alumna of Kingston University London, I recently had the honour of accepting an invitation to speak to students at their graduation about my career journey, and the Bluesky team also attended a school careers fair to help students learn more about what a career in geospatial can entail. We are very passionate about supporting this intervention which will support the onboarding of the next generation of specialists into our industry particularly with the increased opportunities in AI.”

Through this initiative, Time for Geography will bring tailored video messages from industry leaders into classrooms, launch a geo-careers portal linking opportunities with partner university programmes, equip teachers with careers packs for subject options events, and pilot a workshop in Scotland supported by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to engage pupils from minority ethnic and disadvantaged backgrounds. With a national rollout planned for 2026, the programme has the potential to inspire thousands of students, broaden access to geoscience careers, and build the diverse, skilled workforce needed to address the defining challenges of the future.