News
Help us tackle national shortage in higher technical skills
17 Sep 2020
The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (the Institute) takes first steps in reversing national higher technical skills shortage Support needed with rollout of game changing new q…More …
Apprentice employers urged to take part in COVID-19 survey
15 Sep 2020
Employer views requested around job security for apprentices and financial incentives geared at supporting recovery Second in series of surveys will update the Institute for Apprenticeships and Techn…More …
National Apprenticeship Awards 2020 – open for entries
03 Sep 2020
Calling out to all apprentice employers, inspirational apprentices, rising stars and individuals who champion apprenticeships - as the National Apprenticeship Awards 2020 are now open for entries! Ba…More …
Employer incentives for hiring new apprentices applications go live
03 Sep 2020
From 1 September, employers large and small can apply for large cash incentives designed to create more high-quality apprenticeship opportunities. As part of the Government’s Plan for Jobs, employer…More …
Kickstart Scheme opens for employer applications
02 Sep 2020
As part of the government’s Plan for Jobs, a new £2 billion Kickstart Scheme will create hundreds of thousands of new, fully subsidised jobs for young people across the country. The 6 month placements…More …
IfATE Employer survey provides snapshot of COVID-19 impact on Apprenticeships
24 Aug 2020
A survey into the impact of COVID-19 on apprenticeship employers has provided invaluable insight into the uptake of remote learning and recruitment concerns of smaller employers. There were 350 respon…More …
Government creates new National Institute for Health Protection
18 Aug 2020
A brand new organisation whose primary focus is public health protection and infectious disease capability is being established by the government. New organisation to focus on rigorous science-led ap…More …
BCF press release - Creating a network of coatings industry ambassadors to engage with schools and universities
18 Aug 2020
The British Coatings Federation has partnered with the Surface Coatings Group of the Royal Society of Chemistry and PRA to create a national network of ambassadors for the coatings industry, with the…More …
Relief scheme for providers of apprenticeship training to public sector employers
07 Aug 2020
This scheme has been introduced to enable public sector employers, who pay the apprenticeship levy to provide relief to their suppliers of apprenticeship training if they consider that they meet the r…More …
SIP Member develops the world's first halogen-free materials
06 Aug 2020
SIP Member Polymer Compounders have developed the world’s first halogen-free FR PC/ABS and FR PC/ASA materials that do not compromise on material properties. With the addition of the standard flame…More …
Complete the Life Sciences Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) Survey
03 Aug 2020
The Science Industry Partnership (SIP) are developing an Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) report for the Life Sciences industry – a key deliverable from the Life Sciences 2030 Skills Str…More …
Apprentice recruitment incentives – Webinar by the Education & Skills Funding Agency
21 Jul 2020
On July 8th the Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a number of measures to address the challenges posed by the Covid-19 outbreak. The measures are aimed at encouraging employers to take advantage of the…More …
Covid-19 Best Practice Seminar
15 Jul 2020
The past three months have been challenging for those responsible for managing people in manufacturing or operational environments requiring us all to develop new ideas and perhaps more innovative app…More …
Major overhaul of higher technical education announced
14 Jul 2020
New package of measures for higher technical education will build on the work to transform technical and vocational education in Britain. Measures to boost the quality and take-up of higher technical…More …
Science Industry Partnership Summer Statement Round Up
13 Jul 2020
The Summer Statement announced by the Chancellor on the 8th July was a follow-up to his first Budget on 11th March. It was a budget to boost the economy and to create new opportunities to drive growth…More …
HM Treasury Summer Statement – A Plan for Jobs
08 Jul 2020
Chancellor Rishi Sunak – “No one will be left without hope” As expected, the Chancellor focused significantly on jobs in today’s (8th July) Summer Statement. The Chancellor began his statement, stati…More …
Government fires up R&D across the country to cement the UK as science superpower
02 Jul 2020
Government to ensure UK is the best place in the world for scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs with new and ambitious R&D Roadmap Roadmap sets out vision to attract global talent, cut unnec…More …
Welcome to New SIP Members
01 Jul 2020
Autolus Autolus are a biotech company based in White City in London and they have a presence at the Bioscience Catalyst in Stevenage. It is founded on advanced cell programming technology pioneered b…More …
Comprehensive Spending Review Update
01 Jul 2020
As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a strong interest in ensuring that the sector has the skills it needs to not only play a key part in our recovery but also to drive economic growth. T…More …
Introducing the SIP Futures Delivery Theme Leaders
01 Jul 2020
The recent SIP Futures Delivery meeting allowed the Group to discuss how to best deliver the recommendations from the SIP Life Sciences 2030 Skills Strategy. The Group discussed the proposed actions,…More …
SIPPI continues to consolidate its position and develop a strategy aligned for members
01 Jul 2020
SIPPI is using 2020 to consolidate its position and develop a strategy aligned to member requirements. Unfortunately, Covid-19 restrictions led to the cancellation of a skills strategy workshop planne…More …
Benevolent Funds for Engineers
01 Jul 2020
Members may be interested to know, in the current climate, there are a number of support charities for members of professional engineering institutes. These range from providing finance and specialist…More …
A Successful Virtual Meeting for SIP Cambridge
01 Jul 2020
The Q3 SIP Cambridge meeting was held virtually via Zoom. There were 22 attendees from the region: Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals and Medical Technology companies. The meeting started with a presentation…More …
SIP Liverpool Plus goes from strength to strength
01 Jul 2020
The Q2 SIP Liverpool Plus meeting was held virtually via Zoom on Wednesday 3rd June. There were over 30 attendees from the region: Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals and Medical Technology companies. The agen…More …
SIP North East shares best practise and gets to grip with the ‘new normal’
01 Jul 2020
The latest SIP North East meeting, held virtually on the 24th June, had a fantastic turnout with 24 people dialling in. The meeting featured an update from the North East LEP on their North East Covid…More …
SIATE first meeting with new Chair and Vice-Chair
01 Jul 2020
SIATE had its Q2 meeting via zoom in May. The meeting was very well attending and the group discussed the following: COVID-19 – The Effect on Apprenticeships Update on standards in development Update…More …
Apprenticeship Standards Update
01 Jul 2020
The SIP remains committed to ensuring Apprenticeship Standards meet the needs of the sector supported by SIATE. The revised Laboratory Technician standard in now live on the IfATE website and we antic…More …
Temporary Assessments during COVID-19
01 Jul 2020
SIATE Chair Rob Watts has been working with a number EPAOs and the awarding body, Open awards to put together a proposal for an adaptation to the EPA methods during the COVID-19 period. What this mean…More …
The SIP Ambassador Scheme takes a dive into online training
01 Jul 2020
There are currently 652 SIP Ambassadors, this number is at a pause due to COVID-19 and face-to-face training not being possible. Therefore, the SIP Ambassador Programme has recently taken a dive into…More …
SIP Value and Vision
01 Jul 2020
The SIP Vision is to have employers working in partnership with government to establish the skills needed to build a high value, competent scientific workforce to support future productivity and growt…More …
'Skills, Skills, Skills' for Recovery
30 Jun 2020
Apprenticeships must be "front and centre" of plans to boost skills in the post-Covid recovery, says Robert Halfon, Chair of the Education Select Committee. But he wants the funding levy for apprentic…More …
Life Sciences Recovery Roadmap
26 Jun 2020
The ABPI and its partners have recently released the Life Sciences Recovery Roadmap, which includes reference to the Life Sciences 2030 Skills Strategy. "The Life Sciences COVID-19 Response Group was…More …
MMIP Virtual Conference
19 Jun 2020
Join the MMIP for their virtual conference on Wednesday 15th July, 11.00am - 13.30pm.The agenda will aim to review the overall impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Supply and manufacture of medicines fo…More …
SIP Member, AstraZeneca to supply Europe with 400 million doses of Oxford University’s vaccine at no profit
15 Jun 2020
Company exploring further additional global capacity to provide broad and equitable access. AstraZeneca has reached an agreement with Europe's Inclusive Vaccines Alliance (IVA), spearheaded by Germa…More …
STEM apprentices’ contribution to the COVID-19 pandemic
12 Jun 2020
Kate Barclay, Independent Consultant and Industry Advisor, Board Member of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE), and Skills and Talent lead with the BioIndustry Associatio…More …
For the first time ever, there are more than 1 million women working in core STEM roles across the UK
11 Jun 2020
There are more than 1 million women working in core STEM roles across the UK for the first time ever, according to the Wise Campaign. Their #1oftheMillion Day took place on the 10th June 2020. Wise…More …
Competence Coordinating Role - Mapping document
03 Jun 2020
The Science Industry Partnership Process Industries (SIPPI) has worked closely alongside the COMAH Strategic Forum to produce a Competence Mapping Document Competence within process industries has a n…More …
Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education launches a Pulse Survey
03 Jun 2020
The Institute is committed to supporting the apprenticeship sector in dealing with the significant challenges that Covid-19 has presented. To help them, they are asking employer to complete a short pu…More …
Big Ticket webinar – Industry placements and T Levels
03 Jun 2020
Industry placements – how might they support your workforce development in the coming months, and what support is available? Many employers have already been offering industry placements, which will b…More …
Careers in engineering – A beginner’s guide
29 May 2020
Writer and STEM ambassador Sarah Anderson takes a look at the basics of engineering, the variety involved in the sector, and the first steps required to embark on a career in engineering. Using princ…More …
AstraZeneca have partnered with Oxford Biomedica to make potential COVID-19 vaccine
29 May 2020
SIP Member, AstraZeneca, have signed a Clinical and Commercial Supply Agreement with Oxford Biomedica. As part of the Clinical & Commercial Supply Agreement, AstraZeneca will have access to Oxford…More …
GSK actions to support the global response to COVID-19
28 May 2020
SIP member, GSK has announced their actions to support the global response to COVID-19. GSK is closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and is supporting global efforts to tackle the virus. Since the…More …
Deal for 30 million coronavirus vaccine doses struck between Oxford University and AstraZeneca
26 May 2020
SIP member, AstraZeneca has a struck a deal with Oxford University to produce a coronavirus vaccine at scale - pending successful trials. This was announced on the 18th May. Business Secretary Alok…More …
Migration Advisory Committee seeks views on skills shortages
21 May 2020
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has launched a 6-week call for evidence, asking business organisations and employers to share their valuable recruitment experiences as part of a review of the…More …
UKRI supporting pupils to engage with cutting-edge science online
19 May 2020
With schools closed to most pupils because of coronavirus, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is supporting young people to stay connected with each other and enjoy inspiring science lessons through a…More …
Vaccines Manufacturing and Innovation Centre to open 12 months ahead of schedule
18 May 2020
Race to manufacture millions of doses of a coronavirus vaccine boosted with a multi-million-pound government investment. Up to £93 million government investment to open the UK’s first dedicated Vacci…More …
The Energy Institute have published the aforementioned framework
06 May 2020
The Energy Institute yesterday (5th May) published the aforementioned framework. Its aim is to assist an organisation when planning to return to normal operations post Covid-19. "Government has now st…More …
New Look Panel Launches Survey for Apprentices
05 May 2020
The Institute’s panel of apprentices has been refreshed with 20 impressive new recruits from across the world of earning and learning. Their first important task is to gather feedback from apprentices…More …
Pfizer expands home learning resources with 'Science in a Box'
05 May 2020
SIP Member, Pfizer have released some of their 'Science in a Box' resources as online modules on their website. These 'Science in a Box' resources were originally used by STEM and SIP Ambassadors for…More …
AstraZeneca and Oxford University announce landmark agreement for COVID-19 vaccine
04 May 2020
SIP Member, AstraZeneca announced last week (30th April) an agreement with Oxford University for the global development and distribution of the University's potential recombinant adenovirus vaccine ai…More …
Science Industry Partnership Futures Delivery Group will turn Recommendations into Actions
30 Apr 2020
Jacqui Hall, Head of Early Careers, BioPharmaceuticals Research & Development at AstraZeneca appointed as Chair of new SIP Delivery Group The recommendations from the Life Sciences 2030 Skills St…More …
World Immunisation Week 2020 #WIW2020
29 Apr 2020
This week (24th April - 30th April 2020) is World Immunisation Week from the World Health Organisation (WHO). "Every year, millions of lives are saved thanks to immunization and it is recognized wide…More …
The Skills Toolkit: Free digital and numeracy courses to build your skills
28 Apr 2020
Today (28th April 2020) the Government have launched The Skills Toolkit. The Skills Toolkit is a new online platform, giving you access to free, high-quality digital and numeracy courses to help you b…More …
Delivery of T Levels and Industry Placements – Government Update
28 Apr 2020
The Department for Education has provided an update on the delivery of T Levels and industry placements, in the light of the unprecedented impact of Covid-19. Gillian Keegan MP, Parliamentary Under-Se…More …
Science Industry Partnership 2020 Apprenticeship Survey
27 Apr 2020
The Science Industry Partnership (SIP) is committed to supporting its members in ensuring they can access an apprenticeship system that meets their needs. The aim is to ensure a continued uptake of hi…More …
Government launches Vaccine Taskforce to combat coronavirus
21 Apr 2020
A new Vaccine Taskforce will drive forward, expedite and co-ordinate efforts to research and then produce a coronavirus vaccine and make sure one is made available to the public as quickly as possible…More …
Pfizer Outlines Five-Point Plan to Battle COVID-19
20 Apr 2020
SIP Member, Pfizer announced their Five-Point plan to battle Coronavirus in March 2020. Dr. Albert Bourla, Chairman and CEO, made the following statement: “In this troubling time, Pfizer is committed…More …
Two SIP Members, GSK and Sanofi have joined forces, in an unprecedented collaboration to fight COVID-19
14 Apr 2020
GSK and Sanofi have joined forces, bringing together two of the world’s largest vaccines companies in an unprecedented collaboration to fight COVID-19. The two companies will combine innovative techno…More …
AstraZeneca/GSK/University of Cambridge collaborate to support UK national effort to boost COVID-19 testing
08 Apr 2020
As part of the UK Government’s announcement of a new five pillar plan to boost testing for COVID-19, AstraZeneca, GSK and the University of Cambridge have formed a joint collaboration to take action t…More …
SIP celebrates Five Years!
07 Apr 2020
This September sees the SIP reach five years the employer-funded alliance for advancing skills in the science-using industries. The SIP’s Vision is: “Employers working in partnership with government t…More …
Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education: COVID-19 FAQ
06 Apr 2020
The IfATE have released a FAQ webpage, designed to provide you with information on COVID-19 and its impact on the apprenticeship sector. There are currently two sets of comprehensive guidance availabl…More …
SIP Business Plan sets out strategic priorities
06 Apr 2020
Last month’s SIP Board meeting saw agreement on the SIP Business Plan. The SIP remains the only body in the landscape currently playing a central role on advancing skills for science industries and b…More …
SIPPI Chair champions group’s strategic remit
06 Apr 2020
Jon Mason, Chair, Science Industry Partnership Process Industries (SIPPI) sets out the role of this key Strategic SIP Forum, which has a focus on the skills interests of process manufacturing, especia…More …
SIP North East opens its doors
06 Apr 2020
A SIP North East “relaunch” took place in March at Lumley Castle, facilitated by Helen Cattell and chaired by Matt Bradshaw FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies. There was an action packed agenda, which…More …
SIP Liverpool – science industries unite on regional skills agenda
06 Apr 2020
The first meeting of the year for the newly launched SIP Liverpool took place in March at the Cogent Skills Warrington office and via Skype, facilitated by Craig Alexander and Chaired by AZ’s Andy Lud…More …
Still time to sign up for SIP Cambridge (Skype meeting)
06 Apr 2020
The next SIP Cambridge meeting is set to take place Thursday 28th April, 9.30am - 11.00am, and it will be a virtual meeting via Skype. The Agenda includes, delivering 2030 Skills Strategy Action Plan…More …
Apprenticeship Standards Update
06 Apr 2020
The SIP continues to take an active role in ensuring Apprenticeship Standards meet the needs of the sector supported by SIATE. In late December, it was confirmed that the Institute for Apprenticeships…More …
IfATE Consultation on Future System for Setting Apprenticeship Funding Rates
06 Apr 2020
The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) has taken on board feedback from employers, who develop new apprenticeships, that the existing system is not transparent enough and ne…More …
SIP Ambassador Scheme looks to virtual solutions
06 Apr 2020
The SIP Ambassador Programme has continued to grow in the first quarter of 2020. We now have over 650 SIP Ambassadors with training sessions having taken place for the Advanced Therapies Apprenticeshi…More …
Launch of the Life Sciences 2030 Skills Strategy – webinar option available
06 Apr 2020
The SIP Life Sciences 2030 Skills Strategy, a deliverable of the Sector Deal 2 has been a significant piece of work throughout 2019/20, working with a range of partners. The widely attended, official…More …
Futures Delivery Group will turn recommendations into actions
06 Apr 2020
The recommendations from the 2030 Life Sciences Skills Strategy are now being turned into deliverables through the Futures Delivery Group. The original funding partners (ABPI, BIA and OLS) and employe…More …
The SIP welcomes new Ministers
06 Apr 2020
Back in February there was a government reshuffle. In the reshuffle, Gillian Keegan was named as the new Apprenticeships and Skills Minister. The department has been missing a dedicated Apprenticeship…More …
IfATE COVID 19
06 Apr 2020
The IfATE has designed a series of FAQs to provide everyone with information on Covid-19 and its impact on the apprenticeship sector. They include: Who to contact Consultations and Route Reviews End…More …
First SIATE meeting goes full steam ahead
06 Apr 2020
As noted the Life Sciences and Industrial Science Trailblazer has now evolved into SIATE and the first meeting of the newly named group took place, on 25th February at York’s Railway Museum. The meeti…More …
New Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult CEO: Matthew Durdy
02 Apr 2020
Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult), a global leader in the field of advanced therapies, announced today that its new Chief Executive Officer will be Matthew Durdy, who is currently the Chie…More …
Life Science and Industrial Science (LSIS) Trailblazer becomes Science Industry Apprenticeships and Technical Education (SIATE) Group
02 Apr 2020
New Chair and Vice-Chair appointed UK science-based employers are now driving the development of skills across the sector using apprenticeships and T Levels, through the Science Industry Apprenticeshi…More …
