The Institute for Apprenticeships (IFA) has approved its 300th apprenticeship standard for delivery – the Clinical Trials Specialist Degree Apprenticeship. Since implementing a new, streamlined approach, the Institute has seen a marked improvement in approval rates for standards delivery. In the last 6 months, the IFA has successfully supported trailblazers to develop and deliver 90 new standards alone. To date, this is the highest number of standards approved in any 6 month period since the reforms began, and twice the previous highest rate.

Sir Gerry Berragan, chief executive of the Institute for Apprenticeships, said: “With the faster and better programme, we’ve been working closely with trailblazers to get their proposals, standards and end-point assessment plans right first time, which has led to better outcomes for all involved. He continued:  “Trailblazers are moving through the process quicker than before. However, quality is still very much at the centre of what we do.”

The UK government offers various apprenticeships to support the pharmaceutical industry, addressing skill gaps and providing an entry point for young professionals into the field. These apprenticeships are designed to give hands-on experience while earning industry-recognized qualifications. They offer a valuable pathway for individuals seeking careers in research, manufacturing, regulatory affairs, and other critical areas of the pharmaceutical sector. Key features of UK apprenticeships for the pharmaceutical industry includes:

Diverse Apprenticeship Levels

• Intermediate, Advanced, and Higher Apprenticeships: These programs cater to different education levels. For example, Higher Apprenticeships are equivalent to a foundation degree and are common in technical and scientific roles within pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Degree Apprenticeships: These allow individuals to earn a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree while working. Degree-level apprenticeships, like those offered in collaboration with universities, can lead to careers in pharmaceutical science, clinical trials, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

Targeted Apprenticeship Standards

The UK government and industry bodies, such as Cogent Skills and Life Sciences Skills Partnership, have developed specific standards that align with the needs of the pharmaceutical industry, including:

• Laboratory Technician Apprenticeships: Focused on analytical and research roles, equipping individuals with skills in conducting experiments, interpreting data, and supporting drug development.
• Clinical Trials Apprenticeships: Provide experience in managing clinical trials, ensuring regulatory compliance, and handling data collection.
• Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeships: Critical for those involved in the production of medicines, focusing on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and the operation of pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment.

Industry Collaboration

• Pharmaceutical Companies’ Apprenticeship Programs: Major UK pharmaceutical companies, such as GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and AstraZeneca, offer apprenticeship schemes. These programs have been created or are being are designed to provide real-world experience in areas like drug development, regulatory affairs, quality control, and biomanufacturing.
• Collaborations with Academic Institutions: Many apprenticeships are developed in partnership with universities, providing apprentices with both theoretical and practical training. For example, GSK collaborates with University College London (UCL) and other academic partners to deliver a combination of work-based learning and academic qualifications.

Career Pathways and Benefits

• On-the-Job Training: Apprentices gain hands-on experience, learning directly from industry professionals, which helps them develop skills tailored to the pharmaceutical sector.
• Employment Prospects: Apprenticeships can lead to long-term careers within the industry, offering roles in areas such as drug manufacturing, clinical research, and regulatory affairs.
• Continuous Learning: Many apprenticeships encourage continuous professional development, allowing individuals to advance within their roles and progress toward higher qualifications and leadership positions in the industry.

The UK government provides funding for apprenticeship programs through initiatives like the Apprenticeship Levy, which requires large employers to contribute funds toward apprenticeship training. Employers in the pharmaceutical industry can benefit from this funding to upskill employees and address talent shortages, particularly in technical roles. UK apprenticeships play a critical role in supporting the pharmaceutical industry by offering structured, practical learning opportunities and addressing skills shortages. These programs help individuals develop careers in drug development, manufacturing, clinical trials, and regulatory compliance, while also benefiting pharmaceutical companies by fostering a skilled workforce tailored to industry needs. Through collaboration with educational institutions and government support, these apprenticeships ensure that the UK remains a leader in the global life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors.

Commissioned and delivered in just 10 months, the Clinical Trials Specialist Degree Apprenticeship, is proof that the Institute is committed to the faster and better reforms.

Hannah Barry, of GSK and chair of the Clinical Trials Specialist Trailblazer group, said:  “In recent years, finding qualified and competent clinical trials specialists has become increasingly difficult. It isn’t something you hear about at careers fairs, and the opportunities for an amazing career in this area is not widely known." She also said:  “The Clinical Trials Specialist Apprenticeship will open up another route to attract the best and most talented young students into the pharma industry."

The Level 6 qualification will be delivered over 4-5 years. Apprentices will receive a thorough background in the process of clinical research throughout the programme while also experiencing it first-hand. They will develop an understanding of the core science that underpins clinical trials. Through academic study, apprentices will gain the skills necessary to understand the scientific, regulatory, ethical and methodological issues involved in the design, conduct, analysis and reporting of clinical trials. While training, apprentices will work in operational roles where, under appropriate supervision, they will deliver the monitoring, oversight or project management aspects of clinical trials.  On successful completion of their training, apprentices will be awarded full Bachelor of Science degrees where the education component is paid for by the apprenticeship levy.

John Cope, CBI Head of Education and Skills, said:  “Reaching 300 new apprenticeship standards is a great achievement. The Institute for Apprenticeships’ commitment to speed up their approval and quality, as well as improve support for trailblazer groups is welcome.  Businesses want to see these standards in place as soon as possible and the CBI will continue to support the Institute to do this.”

The Institute is on target to reach 400 standards approved for delivery by the end of this financial year. The strategic plan details the Board’s three guiding principles which should focus the way the Institute delivers, develops and works with others over the next five years. The business plan, aligned with the strategic principles, sets out our priorities and corporate objectives for the next financial year.

More detail on the 300th standard can be found on the IFAs website and you can view the apprenticeship's strategic plan and business plan here.