Over 100 science employers have bid into the Government’s Employer Ownership of Skills Pilot Fund (EOP) to establish a new Science Industry Partnership (SIP) which will design the vocational training the sector needs. The SIP have secured £32.6 million grant for a two year programme, matched by employer contributions.
The aim is to ensure young people have the capability, drive and ambition to build a globally competitive science based industry in the UK and support the development of the existing workforce to acquire skills which will enable them to use new technologies and develop innovative new products and services.
The SIP embraces Life Sciences (inc. pharmaceuticals and biotechnology) and Industrial Sciences (inc. chemicals and petrochemicals). The SIP is developing a number of employer-led pilot programmes including:
· Traineeships for young people
· SMART Apprenticeships - designed around the job and bespoke to employer needs
· Industry Degree Scheme – building on existing chemical science, life science, manufacturing and process engineering degrees
· Modular Masters - flexible Master’s Level programme to support skills required by industries involved in formulation
· Workforce Development – linked to the Cogent Gold Standard Skills Framework which will help employers to identify skills gaps and access training
· Skills for Growth – offers Government co-investment for training for small businesses
· STEM careers – supporting employers to have closer links to schools.