Understanding and preparing future skills for 5G/6G integration

Importance of NTN-TN technology

The UK aims to be a leader in the integration of NTNs with TNs, a critical step toward ensuring seamless global connectivity, resilience, and security in digital infrastructure. As 5G continues to mature and 6G development accelerates, the demand for ubiquitous, high-speed, and secure communication across remote and urban areas is increasing.

Key government priorities driving this challenge include:

• National Space Strategy: The UK’s investment in OneWeb and satellite communications positions it as a player in the global satellite ecosystem.
• Digital Infrastructure Plan: The push for nationwide 5G and early-stage 6G deployment.
• Cybersecurity and Resilience: Ensuring robust and secure communication networks.

Potential and prioritised technology solutions

Telecommunication and Satellite Communication organisations face the pressures of convergence as NTNs (satellite constellations) and TNs (fibre optics, mobile networks) must be seamlessly integrated. Several solutions were explored to address these challenges:

• 5G/6G NTN-TN Integration
• Satellite Constellation Management
• Delay-Tolerant Networking (DTN)
• AI-Driven Network Management
• Quantum Encryption & Cybersecurity

Chosen technology: NTN-TN 5G/6G integration

The priority technology selected is the integration of NTN with terrestrial 5G/6G networks because:

• It offers global, resilient coverage beyond urban centres, critical for national security and commercial services.
• It aligns with UK Government and Industry strategic priorities in digital transformation.
• It enables secure, high-speed, and AI-optimized connectivity, benefiting key sectors like defence, transportation, and smart cities.

Findings and insights

The most significant observation is the urgent need to integrate NTNs with TNs to enhance connectivity and resilience, particularly in the transition from 5G to 6G. This transformation is critical for achieving ubiquitous network coverage and aligning with the UK government’s ambitions in digital infrastructure and national security.

Organisational capability changes

• A shift towards design and software engineering-focused capabilities, with an increasing need for expertise in network integration, cybersecurity, AI-driven automation, and regulatory compliance.
• Greater demand for cross-functional collaboration across supply chains, requiring businesses to upskill their workforce in system integration, satellite communications, and advanced software development.
• The rise of data-driven decision-making necessitates more focus on AI, predictive analytics, and cybersecurity to manage growing network complexities.

Future Occupational Profiles (FOPs) generated

• Senior Engineers and Technicians: Demand for specialists in cybersecurity, RF engineering, IoT systems, and network integration.
• Emerging Roles: Increased need for data architects, digital twin engineers, and AI-driven network optimisation experts.
• Compliance and Regulatory Professionals: Expertise in governance and risk management will be essential as standards evolve.

Key matches and concerning gaps

• Best Matches: Telecommunications and network engineering roles show some alignment with existing apprenticeship standards.
• Gaps Identified: A significant skills deficit in cybersecurity, satellite integration, AI, and data architecture. No existing apprenticeship standards fully meet future workforce demands, requiring updates or new training pathways.

Next steps

Without immediate and coordinated action, the UK risks falling behind in global NTN-TN integration, impacting national security, digital infrastructure, and economic growth. Immediate intervention is necessary to secure a skilled workforce capable of delivering NTN-TN integration successfully.

• Convene a Working Group: Engage key stakeholders (IfATE, IUK, industry leaders) to drive implementation.
• Validate Future Occupational Profiles (FOPs): Align with industry demand forecasts.
• Appoint a Sector Champion: Identify a lead organisation to oversee skill development efforts.
• Develop an Action Plan: Address short-term (upskilling existing workforce) and mid-term (curriculum updates) needs.
• Evaluate Further Foresighting Opportunities: Consider additional studies in emerging tech fields (e.g., AI-driven networks, quantum communication).

Failure to act will hinder industry growth, create severe skill shortages, and limit the UK’s ability to compete in next-gen communication technologies. Immediate intervention is necessary to secure a skilled workforce capable of delivering NTN-TN integration successfully.