Utility skills aid in healing, buffs, electronics, and piloting.
Devices XP comes from dealing damage or healing in combat. Leadership buffs can be active during combat or gathering; the Dedication perk can also feed Leadership XP from most sources (not while piloting). Piloting gains fastest from high-tier mining in space; see the Piloting guide for detail.
Ability to treat bodily injuries in the field with healing kits and stim packs.
Ability to handle people, negotiate, and manage relations.
Ability to pilot starships, follow navigation charts, and control starship systems.