A surge in apprenticeships, placements, and global research collaborations is strengthening the UK’s pharmaceutical workforce. 

This is a summary of the key findings from the latest Industry and Academic Links Survey from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI). 

As National Apprenticeship Week (10-14 February) begins, new figures highlight the growing importance of industry-academic partnerships in filling skills gaps and advancing research. 

The biennial ABPI Industry and Academic Links Survey tracks long-term trends in collaborations between pharmaceutical companies and universities. 

The industry now supports apprenticeships at all levels, with 47% at Level 6 (equivalent to a bachelor’s degree) and 17% at Level 7 (master’s level). It also funds postdoctoral researchers across 27 countries, with nearly half based in the UK. 

A total of 699 undergraduate placements were reported in 2024, 88% of which last one year and span 70 academic institutions across the UK. 

Industry-academic partnerships extend beyond traditional research and development (R&D), covering 15 business areas for undergraduate placements and 17 for apprenticeships, including IT, manufacturing, and marketing. R&D remains the most popular field for apprenticeships, accounting for over 40% of all roles. 

Government support via the Apprenticeship Levy has led to apprenticeships becoming more common within the life sciences sector. Many industries, including the pharmaceutical industry have been calling for the Apprenticeship Levy to become more flexible. 

Andrew Croydon, ABPI Director of Education and Examination Policy, said: “Collaborations between industry and academia are one of the main ways to build up our industry’s future workforce. Both sides are investing in the future of innovation and skills in the UK and these partnerships create unique opportunities for knowledge sharing, benefiting students, universities, businesses and ultimately patients.” 

Read the full interactive report. 

Diana Spencer, Senior Digital Content Editor, DDW