Today, the Advanced Therapies Apprenticeship Community (ATAC) released two new case studies that show the impact made on the cell and gene therapy industry since its founding in 2018.
In the last two years, ATAC has been instrumental in meeting the industry’s need for 400-600 new skilled workers in a field that has tripled its turnover, from £100m to £300m, in that time. Setting out to have 50 apprentices in employment by 2021, ATAC has succeeded in almost tripling that amount in 2020 and is now celebrating their first ever graduate.
ATAC’s impact on the cell and gene therapy industry
In partnership with the Medicines Manufacturing Industry Partnership (MMIP) and with £1.5 million in funding from the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF), ATAC has been able to enrol 137 apprentices into 10 different courses. The 36 companies collaborating with ATAC have enjoyed a combined £2.55m levy commitment when taking on apprentices, who then in turn gain real-world work experience while progressing their career.
In creating these training opportunities, ATAC is providing the cell and gene therapy industry with individuals who are ready to fully enter the workforce upon completing their course. It also ensures that specialised talent remains in the industry.
Read more about ATAC’s impact in our case study here
ATAC’s first graduate
For Emilia Reyes Pabon, ATAC’s impact can be felt even further this month as she becomes the organisation’s first graduate. She completed her apprenticeship as a Level 3 Operations Technician with the University of Oxford’s Clinica BioManufacturing Facility (CBF).
Emilia commented:
“I received really valuable training that helped me develop my laboratory skills and I had the chance to be part of the team who manufactured the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine!”
Her line manager, Emma Bolam, had this to say about Emilia’s apprenticeship:
“As a result of the positive experience that we have had with Emilia, we will plan to take on further apprentices in the future as we continue to expand our operations.”
Not one to sleep on her laurels, Emilia is about to embark on her Level 5 Technician Scientist training at the CBF with the University of Kent.