FOCUS – UK’S BIO-ENGINEERING INDUSTRY
ways to accomplish this, as there are currently only two doctorate training centres in the UK. ‘A-year-in-the-industry’-style
programme could also provide opportunities for universities to collaborate with start-ups, small- to-medium enterprises and larger companies. With this type of education, academics are exposed early on to the inevitable commercial requirements they will bump up against in the laboratory. Other aspects of training that require
urgent attention are programmes below and beyond PhD level. Many technical positions do not require a PhD, but opportunities at earlier stages of university in the UK are lacking. “We want to see the government
prioritise chemical, biological and process engineering education and training at all levels, including things like significant expansions in technical apprenticeship, undergraduate, postgraduate and post- doctoral routes,” says Lugton. While an aging technical workforce
means that many colleagues are retiring, there are also plenty of experienced workers ready to learn new commercial skills on top of the technical skills they already have. “It’s not just about growing new
chemical engineers or whoever else in the workforce. It’s also about recognising that there are lots of people already in the workforce who could step into these roles with appropriate training, and I think that’s something that we really think the government should support,” says Lugton.
Training programmes below PHD level also require urgent attention Re-skilling is a valuable resource to
obtain skilled workers already in the UK and familiar with the industry. “Employers of technicians would
significantly benefit from investing in technician-specific training, including technical skills aligned with critical technologies and professional development programmes that are designed for the unique roles of technicians,” says Vere.
RE-SKILLING TO SUPPORT SCALE UP Re-skilling staff will support the scale-up infrastructure that the UK desperately needs to prevent talent from leaving the country to find better opportunities abroad.
The Lords report touches on several
areas of training in the UK that are most needed and some organisations are hopeful that the document is an acknowledgement from the government that scaling up young companies and developing commercial sense and technical skills must now be a priority. “The government clearly understands
that this is important,” says Lugton. “We just want to see more specifics regarding these plans as they get developed, and to help play a part in refining and make a success of them.”
For more information visit:
www.icheme.org
Employers and
funders should prioritise retention strategies for technical professionals that include enhanced career progression pathways
12
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