Sector Overview
Semta’s science remit is confined to engineering science and
bioscience.
Engineering science includes research, development and testing
of new innovations in mechanical, electronic and electrical
products and services. Our priority is the skills needs of
the aerospace, automotive, metals and marine sectors.
Bioscience (sometimes referred to as life sciences) includes the
research and development of human and animal therapeutic and
diagnostic instruments and medical devices. Our priority is
the skills needs of biomanufacturing, contract research
organisations, and pharmaceutical companies.
Current activities are focused on the skills needs of the
bioscience sector. Here we are working to close current
skills gap by increasing the supply of quality people to this
sector.
Key
facts
- The UK is Europe’s top location for investment in
pharmaceutical and biotechnology research and development.
- 37% of sites employ fewer than 11 people (1% of
employment).
- 10% of sites employ more than 249 people (80% of
employment).
- 39% of bioscience companies report
hard-to-fill vacancies and 22% have skills shortages - five times
greater than other sectors.
- 27% of companies cannot expand because they
lack the skilled people they need.
- 26% of companies now go abroad for the
skilled people they need.
- 29% of companies report skills gaps in the
current workforce.
- 82% of companies support continuous
professional development (CPD) and training activity.
Future outlook
The bioscience sector is growing and has a high level of
recruitment activity.
The UK has a strong heritage and global presence in bioscience
research and development. This makes it well placed to
attract further products, franchises and investment, allowing UK
companies to compete with sites across the world.
However, the UK’s world-leader status is under threat from a
widening skills gap which could see work going overseas if urgent
action is not taken to improve the skills base.
A solid science base is essential if employers in the sector are
to recruit the highly-skilled people they need. It also
enables employers to collaborate with centres of excellence in
research, and develop their scientific thinking along with
academics.
Effective clusters of bioscience employers and providers of
education and training currently exist – notably in the North
West. Expanding and developing these networks will be key to
the future success of the sector.
People and skills
The bioscience sector has a large demand for highly-skilled
technicians, graduates and those with postgraduate
degrees.
Recruitment priorities include:
- in vivo sciences – physiology, pharmacology, toxicology,
pathology
- clinical research
- chemistry (medicinal and analytical)
- engineering
- maths and statistics – including advanced maths and
mathematical modelling
Employers are suffering from a lack of people with the practical
skills they need at all levels.