BIA drives forward skills agenda for a thriving UK biotech sector

In this blog, Kate Barclay, Skills Consultant at BIA, introduces Skills England, a new Executive Agency within the Department for Education.

This week, the BioIndustry Association (BIA) welcomed establishment of Skills England, a new Executive Agency within the Department for Education. This ambitious initiative signals a renewed commitment to building a world-class skills system—one that is aligned with the dynamic needs of our sector. Its focus on priority growth sectors—including life sciences—is a crucial step in ensuring that talent development keeps pace with technological and scientific advances. Skills England recognise the potential of Life Sciences and is responding directly to this challenge by using our networks that have brought together government, industry, and education to develop long-term, demand-led skills strategies.

I am especially encouraged by Skills England’s emphasis on creating a more agile, responsive education-to-employment pipeline with a clear vision to simplify access to skills and mobilise employers to co-create solutions. By supporting higher qualifications, degree-level apprenticeships, and technical education that are genuinely shaped by industry insight, this approach will give employers access to the talent they need to start, grow, and scale while giving learners clear routes into rewarding, future-proof careers.

I am also encouraged by their data-driven approach published in the Sector Skills Needs Assessments: Life Sciences, which takes multiple references from Life Sciences 2035: Developing the Skills for Future Growth, through which BIA member companies contributed.  As the voice of the UK’s biotech sector, the BIA has consistently championed the need for a demand-led skills approach—one that reflects real-world industry needs. The establishment of Skills England and the published analysis demonstrate that this message is being heard. With communications well established, this new body is well placed to deliver the strategic coordination and responsiveness that we need to grow and compete globally.

This joined-up approach to workforce development is essential. The BIA is proud to have helped shape this agenda and will continue to represent the voice of biotech employers in future discussions. The UK’s leadership in life sciences depends not just on scientific excellence, but on having the skilled people to deliver it. Through Skills England, and with continued collaboration, we are building a stronger, more inclusive skills system that empowers employers and drives innovation.