Preparing the Workforce for Quantum Sensing in Transport

Workforce Foresighting: Anticipating Future Skills

Workforce Foresighting is a strategic initiative aimed at identifying and understanding the skills required for future jobs. By ensuring that education and training provision is prepared, this initiative supports the workforce in adopting new technologies and driving industrial growth.

Quantum Sensing: Transforming Transport

Quantum sensing offers unparalleled precision in measuring quantities such as magnetic fields, gravity, and the passage of time. The UK’s National Quantum Strategy outlines the ambition to lead in this field, with significant opportunities in the transport sector for Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) and infrastructure monitoring. Quantum technologies are projected to create a net value impact to the UK transport industry of £4-8 billion by 2030-2035.

Enhancing Resilience and Reducing Costs

Current systems reliant on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) face vulnerabilities such as spoofing, jamming, and natural disruptions. Quantum-enabled technologies, like quantum inertial sensors and quantum clocks, can enhance resilience and mitigate economic impacts, which could reach £1 billion per day in the UK. Additionally, quantum sensing can improve asset management and planning, potentially reducing the £7.5 billion annual maintenance cost of railway infrastructure.

Developing Future Skills

The report highlights the need for a range of skills to support the adoption of quantum technologies. Core quantum skills, such as in terms of quantum mechanics, are essential, along with supporting capabilities, such as in photonic design, system implementation, maintenance, and analytics. System integrators play a crucial role, given the need for field trials, benchmarking, and noise reduction.

Educational Provisions and Training

There is a gap between current educational provision and future needs, reflecting the emerging nature of quantum technologies. However, an overall fit of 88% indicates that the skills required can be often addressed with current educational resources, albeit in different configurations and complemented by tailored programmes to address gaps. PhD-level skills are central to research and development, while various engineering and technician roles are needed to refine and implement sensors.

Next Steps for Workforce Development

A working group has been established to ensure the adoption of the report’s findings and to discuss dissemination. Looking ahead, a trailblazer group may be formed to develop apprenticeships for future occupations identified in the study.

Addressing the skills gaps and challenges outlined in the report is critical to ensuring the UK can successfully develop and adopt quantum sensing technologies. By preparing the workforce with the necessary skills, we can enhance functionalities, reduce costs, and ensure greater resilience in the transport sector.