The Imperium would not survive without the endless toil of countless billions, all struggling to fill the bottomless needs of a galaxy spanning empire. This condemns most citizens to a life of endless toil and struggle. Only the truly exceptional can escape this fate, those with the Skills and Talents to rise above the teeming hordes and contribute something more. Luckily, your character is just such an individual.
Broadly speaking, Skills describe your character’s basic capabilities, such as climbing or firing a gun, while Talents are unique abilities and traits that only a select few possess.