• Aims to future-proof the geoscience and environmental talent pipeline
• Brings together industry and education to support informed career choices

Bluesky, founded over 20 years ago in the UK, is committed to supporting the education sector to encourage the next generation of geospatial professionals. Time for Geography states that more students than ever are choosing to study geography at GCSE, A Level, and at university and the programme aims to stage an intervention to define geography as a career pathway at a time when demand for geoscience and environmental expertise is growing.

“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.

“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. 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.”

Time for Geography will support schools and universities with tailored video messages from industry leaders to the geography classroom, launch a geo-careers portal linking opportunities to partner university programmes, equip teachers with careers packs to support subject options events, and pilot a UKRI-supported workshop in Scotland to engage pupils from minority ethnic and disadvantaged backgrounds. A national rollout is planned for 2026.