Loughborough College and Charnwood Campus Science, Innovation and Technology Park have forged a new and unique partnership to help create a careers pipeline for students.
This innovative approach will bridge the gap between classroom learning and developing the right skillset for a fulfilling career in the life sciences.
The partnership creates a pathway for learners to go straight into careers through work placements, T Levels, apprenticeships, and other commercial training in a range of sectors including healthcare, bioscience, medical equipment and devices, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.
As well as supporting student employability, it also meets the recruitment needs of local employers who will be involved in shaping the training and education received by students.
Jo Maher, Principal & CEO of Loughborough College, said: “We are delighted to have forged this important partnership with Charnwood Campus. Industry feedback is crucial to ensuring that we deliver the most relevant, innovative and up-to-date training so that our learners are highly trained when they leave us and ready to meet the needs of local employers.
“This builds on our excellent employer partnership work as Charnwood Campus boasts a wealth of outstanding employers and will present some fantastic opportunities for our learners.
“Partnerships like this are vital for the local and regional economy as we bounce back from the impacts of the pandemic, and I look forward to Loughborough College continuing to play an important role.”
Charnwood Campus Director, Gosia Khrais said: “I am pleased to announce our partnership with Loughborough College. It marks the launch of our Charnwood Life Sciences Talent and Skills Institute, of which this partnership is a critical element. We are meeting our long-term objective to help align educational centres with industry needs.
“This partnership is heavily supported by companies onsite, including Almac Pharmaceuticals, 3M, Kindeva, Charnwood Molecular and others. I am also pleased to confirm that this pilot program with the potential to become a successfully nationally replicable project has been welcomed by the Office for Life Sciences (OLS), Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), and our local and regional authorities.’’
Rt. Hon George Freeman MP, Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, said: “UK science and innovation is creating exciting career opportunities for a new generation in the companies of tomorrow – all around the UK.
“When I was Minister for Life Science, I came to Charnwood to launch the Life Science Opportunity Zone – and it’s great to see how strong local leadership has grown the Charnwood Campus Science, Innovation and Technology Park. I’m delighted to be back helping to launch the Charnwood Life Sciences Talent and Skills Institute.
“This ground-breaking partnership will provide exciting new opportunities for students and help support the local cluster of exciting life science companies in this region. I look forward to seeing it progress in the months and years ahead.”
Head of Business Development at Charnwood Campus, Dr Lucy Alexander said: “Being able to develop, retain and attract life science skills in the region is essential for our life science business, and it is crucial that business and educational centres work together to deliver this, hence we are delighted to announce our partnership with Loughborough College as we develop the Charnwood Life Sciences Talent and Skill Institute.”
Global contract pharmaceutical development and manufacturing organisation, Almac Group, expanded into Charnwood Campus in 2017, creating 180 new skilled jobs. James Hurst, Almac Pharma Services’ Vice President Operations commented on the collaboration: “We are excited about the opportunities this partnership between the Charnwood Campus and Loughborough College will present for Almac. Due to ongoing client demand for our services we continue to recruit individuals in a wide range of areas including manufacturing, laboratory operations, logistics and software development and this collaboration will enable us to further guide and support our next generation of employees.”
Mille Clayton, who is currently completing an apprenticeship at Almac Pharma Services added: “Throughout my apprenticeship with Almac, I have had the unique opportunity to spend time learning about the critical aspects of contract pharmaceutical analysis which has advanced my career aspirations and capabilities significantly. The academic / industry collaboration will provide students with a fantastic opportunity to gain immediate access and insight into global businesses to support and help direct their own career pathways.”
Kevin Harris, Chair of the board of directors for the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP), added: “As a key site in the Loughborough and Leicester Science and Innovation Enterprise Zone, Charnwood Campus offers fantastic opportunity for businesses, helping them to drive job creation and business growth in key UK sectors such as life sciences. I welcome this partnership as it helps local students access future job opportunities and provides them with the skills that employers are seeking in this exciting sector.”
