GSK’s formula for action on skills

Oct 24 2007 by Karen McLauchlan, Evening Gazette

AT its Barnard Castle site, pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline has identified a cure for a shortfall in essential skills within the industry.

GSK, which employs more than 1,000 at its North-east site, warns that unless there is a greater number of suitably qualified science and engineering graduates, multi-skilled technicians and technically competent operators, the industry will be faced with a severe skill shortage.

On top of this, an ageing workforce in the process industry means that many of those who do have the right skills and expertise are retiring, taking their knowledge and experience with them.

As part of its 10-year vision, the site is now ensuring that those employed have the skills and knowledge appropriate for the role they do now, and also for the role that they will be expected to do in the near future.

A Skills Pipeline Strategy Team has created a baseline of the skills which are currently possessed by the workforce.

It has also identified which skills the workforce will need in the future.

Kevin Thrower, human resources manager on the Barnard Castle GlaxoSmithKline site, said: “As with many sectors, the pharmaceutical process industry has undergone huge technological change over the last 10 years, with a further step change planned in the near future.

“There is now wide recognition that further investment in all aspects of up-skilling is required to keep pace with the current and future technological advances.”

Initiatives already underway include an active apprenticeship programme, an increase in staff sponsored through part-time degrees, further progression in the identification and development of key talent and an extension in links with higher education providers.

It is also improving its links with schools through the Children Challenging Industry programme as well as training science industry specialists.

It has also taken an active role in the North-east Process Industry Cluster.

Paul Londesborough, the GSK’s Barnard Castle site director, is NEPIC’s deputy chairman, as well as a director of Cogent, the sector skills council for chemicals, pharmaceuticals, nuclear, oil and gas, petroleum and polymers.

In addition, Kevin Thrower chairs NEPIC’s education and engagement team.

Judith Taylor, regional manager, Skills for Business network, which supports the Sector Skills Councils, is delighted that GlaxoSmithKline has put skills development at the top of its agenda.

She said: “It’s all about taking control and GlaxoSmithKline is making a clear contribution to addressing the skills balance.”