UK pharma apprenticeships doubled in 2015

Stronger industry-academia ties revealed in new ABPI report

 

The number of apprenticeships offered by pharmaceutical companies doubled in the last two years, according to a new report.

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) found collaboration in this area between pharma and academic institutions - along with charities and the NHS - is at an all time high.

As a consequence of this the trade body said there had been a 42% increase in undergraduate placements between December 2013 and December 2015.






Visit How to become a pharmaceutical sales rep












Over 550 PhD students are also being supported by pharma companies, with the University of Strathclyde holding the top spot in 2015 at 75 PhD students securing industry partnerships - almost double that of runner-up University College London, with 42 collaborative students.

Loughborough University currently has the highest number of overall undergraduate industry placements, while the University of Bath has the highest number of students on R&D pharma apprenticeships.

The ABPI’s report also highlights the shift towards long-term open partnerships in the pharma industry.

These see companies share expertise, resources and insights to boost the successful development of medicines and therapies, while also supplying new graduates with the experience they need for future employment.






Malcolm Skingle, chair of the ABPI Academic Liason Expert Network, said: “Collaborations are important for industry, institutions and individuals. By working together ideas and expertise are able to flow and result in an array of benefits for all those involved.

“For companies, partnerships could support more efficient and successful drug development, reduce risk associated with investing in innovative research, or provide greater access to talented graduates.

“For academics, partnerships can increase access to specialist data and equipment, increased job prospects, and a greater understanding of real-world and industrial challenges.”



Source: https://jobs.pmlive.com/news-and-advice/pharma-jobs-news/uk-pharma-apprenticeships-doubled-in-2015