UK programme trains next generation of medicine makers

A UK government programme tackling the life sciences skills gap is already showing impressive results, thanks to innovative use of virtual reality and industry-led training.

The Resilience programme, launched in April 2024 with £4.5 million funding from the Office for Life Sciences, aims to equip the next generation of medicines manufacturers with practical skills that are difficult, costly, or disruptive to gain in real-world labs. By combining hands-on workshops, leadership development, and immersive VR experiences, the scheme is preparing trainees to thrive across the pharmaceutical sector.

So far, Resilience has reached more than 1,200 trainees through specialised training sessions and engaged 13,500 students in outreach activities at 170 events across the UK. Its leadership accelerator has supported 75 emerging sector leaders from 23 organisations, with 66% female and 45% from BAME backgrounds, highlighting the programme’s commitment to diversity.

Professor Ivan Wall, co-director of Resilience, emphasised the impact: “Over a thousand trainees have gained the skills to step confidently into medicines manufacturing, and tens of thousands of students have been inspired to consider careers in a field facing critical shortages. By developing this talent pipeline, we strengthen the UK’s life sciences sector and make it a natural choice for global investment.”
Beyond skills development, the programme is helping the NHS achieve its net-zero goals, as VR-based training reduces laboratory waste and associated emissions, which make up roughly a quarter of the NHS supply chain footprint.

Partner organisations include University of Birmingham, UCL, Teesside University, Heriot-Watt University, and Britest, working together to deliver a combination of cutting-edge training, leadership development, and immersive experiences that equip the workforce for the challenges of modern medicines manufacturing.

Partner organisations include University of Birmingham, UCL, Teesside University, Heriot-Watt University, and Britest, working together to deliver a combination of cutting-edge training, leadership development, and immersive experiences that equip the workforce for the challenges of modern medicines manufacturing.

With early results described as “overwhelmingly positive,” Resilience demonstrates how technology, education, and collaboration can address critical skills shortages while supporting sustainability and innovation in UK life sciences.

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