Maggie Throup MP, one of Parliament’s great life sciences advocates, raised a question about life sciences apprenticeships in the House last week. This followed last week’s APPG for Life Sciences meeting, of which BIVDA is a member of the secretariat, which centred on improving the life science apprenticeship environment.
Ms Throup asked Maria Caulfield, Minister for Women and Women’s Health Strategy, what more could be done to promote life sciences apprenticeships to 16 – 18-year-olds who do not wish to go to university. The question stemmed from frustrations expressed by apprentices who attended the APPG regarding a lack of information about apprenticeships in schools and a desire by teachers to push students towards university, therefore disregarding other options.
The minister defended the Government’s record in this area, noting that their STEM Diversity Champions are working with that age group to help STEM apprenticeship uptake, while organisations are also helping towards that goal.
It is pleasing to see subjects tackled in APPG meetings being converted into questions raised, and discussion in, Parliament. We will continue to work diligently to ensure the APPG represents priority member issues and promote the importance of the life science industry in Parliament.
