Life Sciences Scotland news

An innovative new programme that will help talented science graduates gain a foothold in Scotland's multi-billion pound life sciences industry was launched by Keith Brown, Minister for Skills and Lifelong Learning today.

The Science Graduates for Work programme is designed to help unemployed scientists become 'work ready' by giving them the chance to learn valuable laboratory skills and industrial awareness in the workplace.

The scheme, which is run by Forth Valley College, combines college based work with a placement at a Life Sciences Company. Three major companies have agreed to offer placements, with colleges across Scotland looking to set up similar courses of their own.

Mr Brown, who met some of the trainees during a visit to BioReliance UK at Stirling Innovation Park, said:

"It is important, now more than ever, that we all listen and respond to the needs of industry and this programme is a prime example of that happening in a key sector that could play a major part in Scotland's economic future.

"The life sciences industry already contributes significantly to the wealth and health of people in Scotland. However, we face significant global competition so it is crucially important that we do everything we can to seize the opportunities that come our way.

"We know that we have the talent and it is through programmes, such as Science Graduates for Work, that we will ensure they find a way to transfer their skills into the workplace and that Scotland's life sciences industry continues to flourish."

Scotland has been identified as one of the top five emerging locations in the world for life sciences, with the industry worth £3 billion a year to the Scottish economy and employs an estimated 32,500 staff. However, companies have highlighted problems in recruiting graduates with the practical knowledge necessary to work in what is a highly regulated industry.

If the pilot proves successful, this type of training could eventually become part of some undergraduate science degrees.

Dr Wendy Livingstone, Associate Principal for Business & Innovation at Forth Valley College, said: "The Science Graduates for Work programme is an exciting initiative and we are really looking forward to seeing the outcome from the pilot.

"This is an innovative programme which we believe will help unemployed science graduates enter the job market - something which will not only be beneficial for the individual but the Scottish economy as a whole.

"Finally, we would also like to thank Keith Brown MSP for taking the time to launch the programme today and for his continued support."

Louise Rice, HR Director, BioReliance said: "We are really excited by the opportunity to engage with Forth Valley and Job Centre Plus in this way and are delighted to be able to support the wider Scottish life science industry by helping to better equip the scientists of tomorrow."

Science Graduates for Work is an 11 week pilot Training for Work programme developed by Forth Valley College, SEMTA (the Sector Skills Council for the Science sector), Job Centre Plus and funded by Skills Development Scotland. So far BioReliance, MacFarlan Smith and Charles River life science companies have agreed to offer placements. It is initially being run for 12-16 people in the Glasgow and Forth Valley area. The intention is to roll out the programme nationally with a range of colleges.

For further information call John Robertson on 0131 244 4001 / 0781 050 7010.