LIFE SCIENCE SKILLS FOR LOCAL YOUNG PEOPLE

An award-winning company revolutionising surgical training has welcomed 24 young people to a unique pilot initiative. Led by Inovus Medical, LCR Ignite is set to build a pool of talent and enable students aged 16-18 to learn more about the wide-ranging career opportunities available within the Life Sciences sector.

During the experience, students are immersed in the cutting-edge world of Life Sciences within the Liverpool City Region (LCR) Innovation Zone, part of the Government’s National Investment Programme. 

The first cohort of students from Carmel College is participating in the pilot programme hosted by Inovus Medical, a firm based in St Helens that develops and manufactures simulators for surgical training. The students started their experience in February and will participate in weekly workshops for four months.

Hands-on with Simulators

Workshops are taking place at Inovus Medical HQ and its Global Manufacturing Site. Students have already been hands-on with the simulators. One student said:

‘What stood out was completing the myomectomy as I got experience of what it felt like to be a surgeon. What also stood out was the story of the co-founders and how Inovus Medical was started.’

Having seen new product development in action, another student had this to say:

‘The surgical equipment shows massive technological advancement and how useful technology is in the health sector. It has created an awareness that has broadened my horizons on various STEM career paths linked to health.’

Homegrown Talent

LCR Ignite Programme Manager Rachel Wellens, says:

‘The region is home to some of the world’s most innovative health and life science companies, and despite this, the Liverpool City Region is facing a shortage of skilled workers.

‘LCR Ignite provides a solution by embedding students into its HQ and Global Manufacturing Site. The overall vision for this five-year programme is to produce a pool of homegrown talent with skills of immediate value to employers.’

LCR Ignite not only bridges the gap between education and employment; it is engineered to meet the needs of students and open the door to one of the world’s most exciting emerging industries. Rachel adds:

‘We are shaping the innovators of tomorrow, one workshop at a time, opening up a world of possibilities for students in the region.

‘Aspiring students are immersed in live projects and get to use cutting-edge tools and technologies. For many, it’s mind-blowing!’

Exploring Scientific Careers in LCR

The partnership ensures both students and the local economy benefit. LCR Ignite provides opportunities that inspire talented young people to pursue scientific careers and secure high-quality jobs while staying in the area.

Traditional academic routes don’t work for everyone, and university isn’t always an option. LCR Ignite provides an accessible pathway for young people to explore careers in science and technology, unlocking their full potential.

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority champions STEM careers by collaborating with industry partners and creating programmes to nurture and retain talent, securing a strong future for innovation and growth.

The Industry Leaders of Tomorrow

Dr Elliot Street, Co-Founder and CEO at Inovus Medical, says:

‘Not only will this programme help solve the skills gap in the LCR by equipping young people with employable skills, but it will also introduce them to a dynamic industry that has the potential to thrive in our region.

‘The opportunities available in life sciences are incredibly diverse, and I’m honoured that Inovus Medical can play a role in developing the industry leaders of tomorrow through practical, hands-on sessions and team mentorship.’

The £2m programme is funded by Inovus Medical and the LCR Innovation Zone Programme. It will be rolled out across the region between 2025 and 2029. During the project’s lifespan, many more students are expected to take part, involving more schools, colleges, and other host businesses based in the region.

For further information about LCR Ignite and how to get involved, contact Rachel Wellens 
rachel.wellens@inovusmedical.com