The research also highlighted a number of skills shortages within the existing workforce which could present challenges to the identified priorities to modernise and grow pharmaceutical manufacturing and increase the number of health and life sciences businesses which scale-up and grow in our region. These included: 

  • Skills for digitalisation, data science
  • Quality assurance, regulatory management and GMP
  • Leadership, business development, project management and communication skills 

Please note, the following information was collected through the North East LEP life sciences skills group in November 2022. For the most up to date information on education and training provision available please contact the providers directly using the details provided. 


Skills for digitalisation and data science

Discovery workshop

  • A free collaborative workshop for businesses/ employers. “The workshops focus on business and technical issues relating primarily to data analytics but also to cloud computing, cyber security and IoT”.
  • Find out more >> Our discovery workshop (nicd.org.uk)

Data Insights Bootcamp

  • The Data Insights Bootcamp teams Newcastle University students with industry partners who bring ‘live’ data problems with them, and the students then work together with the industry partners to explore the problems and propose relevant solutions
  • Find out more >> Presenting the 2022 Data Insights Bootcamp (nicd.org.uk)

Data Analysis with Python

BSc Cyber Security Technical professional

Digital and technology solutions specialist (integrated degree) (level 7)

Quality assurance, regulatory management and GMP 

Essentials of Good Manufacturing Practice:

Continual professional development | National Horizons Centre | Teesside University

Internal Auditor Training Course – ISO, certification, standards

Internal Auditor Training Course – ISO, certification, standards | BSI (bsigroup.com)

Introduction to regulatory requirements for medical device software

Introduction to Medical Device Software Training | BSI (bsigroup.com)

Level 4 Quality practitioner apprenticeship

Level 4 Regulatory Compliance Officer Apprenticeship

Leadership and business development skills 

Institute for Leadership and Management – Level 2-7 Leadership and Management qualifications

Lab manager course

Leading Teams & Managing Performance training

Help to grow management programme

Level 5 Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management

Sales Development Workshop: Zenith Training: Sales development programme

Level 4 Process leader apprenticeship

Senior Leader level 7 Apprenticeship

Chartered manager degree apprenticeship

Communication skills 

Communicating effectively course

Communication workshop for team leaders and managers

Project Management 


Useful contacts

Free support for SMEs to help develop and upskill their workforce, via the Education Development Trust.

Find support to help businesses grow and adapt their work force on the North East Growth Hub.

Find data and analysis about the North East economy on the North East Evidence Hub.

Create strong links with the next generation of employees, via North East Ambition.