Bioeconomy firms to help narrow skills gap
BIO-BASED BUSINESSES are being urged to have their say on how the education system needs to adapt in order to improve the region’s skills offering in the bioeconomy.
Business leaders and four of York’s education providers are coming together to discuss the issues at a skills breakfast next month at the National Agri-Food Innovation Campus (NAFIC) in Sand Hutton, near York.
Currently, the bioeconomy employs around 105,000 people in Yorkshire and contributes £8.7bn to the regional economy. The York, North Yorkshire and East Riding LEP has made the bioeconomy one of its key priorities, launching a £10m bioeconomy growth fund last year.
The government has already invested £50m in two agrifood centres of excellence – the Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock and a Centre for Applied Crop Science. Both are based in York.
Annabel Jelley, head of skills at the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding LEP, said: “The bioeconomy is a growing, innovative industry that is undergoing many exciting technological advances. Propelling this industry will require a workforce skilled and up-to-date on the latest research, processes and techniques.”
Fera Science, which employs 400 people, has collaborated with the University of York to develop internship placements for graduates and a more specific PhD programme.
Rick Mumford, Fera’s director of science, said: “At each level, different competencies, knowledge and experiences are required, and to keep the pipeline filled we need to have development and recruitment programmes in place to develop appropriate skills sets.”
Dr Maggie Smallwood, chief executive of BioVale, which helps provide regional businesses with specialised training, facilities, funding and other support, added: “It’s not just about white coats; there is a broad skill-set that the bioeconomy needs, including skills in engineering, building management, design and process, technology and data management.”
The Skills for Breakfast event on May 17 will involve a panel discussion led by Mr Mumford, with University of York, York College, York St John University, Bishop Burton College and Askham Bryan College.
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The bioeconomy is a growing, innovative industry. Annabel Jelley, head of skills at the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding LEP