What is Life Sciences?
Life sciences is a broad field of science that centres on the study of living things, their health and wellbeing. Biology and chemistry are at the core of the life sciences, but careers in this sector also draw skills from health and social care, philosophy, engineering, business, marketing and law.
The Life Sciences Sector
The UK life science industry is the largest in Europe – in global terms, it’s second only to the United States. The Liverpool City Region has an active, established and wide ranging life sciences sector – we’re one of the UK’s leading biomedical centres with a significant cluster of clinical activity, and a member of the ‘European Super League’ of biotech cities.
Skills of the future workforce
- Core laboratory Skills.
- Analytical Skills.
- Mathematical & Reasoning Skills.
- Communication Skills.
- Entrepreneurial Skills.
- Life sciences in the Liverpool City Region employs over 6,000 people.
- The life sciences sector delivers almost 10% of economic output – over £1.5bn every year.
- Liverpool boasts three universities, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and six hospital trusts, giving us assets in both research and clinical. Significant research funding has been awarded in areas such as infectious and microbial diseases and cell biology.
- We have a strong industrial focus on pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturing, diagnostics and specialism in the development of novel therapeutics in areas including pain, influenza, anti-infective agents, cardiovascular disease and neurological conditions.
What is Health Care?
Healthcare focusses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease, illness, injury, and other physical and mental impairments in humans. It is delivered by professionals in medicine, optometry, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, allied health, and other care providers. It refers to the work done in providing primary care, secondary care, and tertiary care, as well as in public health.
The health care sector
Liverpool has a diverse and complex health and care system, with 86 GP practices across 12 neighbourhoods, 11 Primary Care Networks, seven NHS Provider Trusts including a newly merged adult acute hospital, a children’s acute trust, a women’s acute trust and three specialist trusts all located in the city but serving the wider region. It is also fortunate to have a vibrant voluntary and community sector of over 3000 organisations and groups. As a region, Liverpool has significant and enduring challenges in improving population health and is keen to take a more strategic data rich approach to these challenges which will reduce health inequalities.
Skills of the future workforce
- Empathy
- Communication skills
- Core science skills
- Understanding of tech solutions
- The health and social care sector is the biggest employer in Liverpool.
- There are huge clinical and academic assets in our city which give us the opportunity to tackle mortality and ill health through research, innovation and education.
- Cancer, circulatory disease and respiratory disease account for almost 7 out of 10 early deaths in the city. There is a goal to reduce the life expectancy gap to 1.7 years in the city by focusing on these three big killers
What is Engineering?
Engineering is a discipline focused on problem-solving. Engineers design, assemble, and manage the built environment and infrastructure, communication devices, and manufacturing processes for medicines.
Engineers work on diverse projects such as advanced prosthetics, new materials, engine efficiency, alternative fuels, bridge construction, and clean water systems. Using maths and science, they achieve extraordinary feats and tackle some of the world's most complex challenges, from satellites to cell membranes.
The Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Sector
Liverpool City Region boasts a diverse array of manufacturing companies, both large and small, that have achieved national and global success. It's no surprise that industry giants like Jaguar Land Rover, Unilever, Pilkington, and AstraZeneca have established their presence here, bringing employment opportunities and world-class expertise.
Skills of the future workforce
- Computer Aided Design
- User Experience
- 3D Modelling
- The sector combines traditional industries with modern manufacturing, featuring industrial digital technology companies alongside clean growth businesses.
- With a modern manufacturing workforce of 50,000, the skill base in our region is enhanced by the long-term presence of major OEMs, world-leading universities, and an agile, Industry 4.0-enabled supply chain.
- The number of engineering jobs will grow in all UK regions between now and 2030.
- 25% of all job postings in the UK are for engineering roles.
- There is an increase in ‘green’ engineering jobs and the trend is likely to continue. In the past 5 years, postings for ‘green’ engineering jobs have increased by 55% and postings requiring ‘green skills’ by 48%.