New Specialist Life Sciences College Opens in Stevenage

SITEC is a venture located in Stevenage, in the heart of the Golden Triangle, with particularly close links with the local cell and gene therapy cluster. It arose out of a collaboration between North Hertfordshire College (NHC), Stevenage Borough Council, and Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (Hertfordshire LEP). Also involved to create phase 1 have been FourPlus, LifeArc, UCL Vax Hub, Autolus and the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult. Phase 1 includes a simulation life sciences laboratory, immersive technologies space, and virtual reality training.

SITEC provide a new range of T-Level and Apprenticeship qualifications.

Kit Davies, Principal of North Hertfordshire College and CEO of the Hart Learning Group, said: “We are thrilled to be officially opening the SITEC project and to welcome so many local employers to our facilities. One of the main aims of the project is to educate parents and young people about the possibilities of careers in STEM; by providing education pathways and opening access to high-tech equipment, SITEC seeks to raise aspirations and encourage local residents to see STEM-related careers in the Stevenage area as accessible and achievable for all.”

Stephen Ward, Chief Manufacturing Officer at the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, commented: “Stevenage is being very proactive in developing a joined up education and training system in core STEM skills, including life sciences. Through the fantastic new labs and digital training spaces unveiled today, SITEC North Hertfordshire College are leading the way in delivering this on the ground and the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult is very pleased to be part of it.”

Hear More About How Skills Gaps are Being Bridged at PING Conference 2023

It was a privilege to have been able to attend the opening of SITEC. It is a truly exciting and innovative learning space, with practical and forward-looking life sciences education facilities that are leading the way. It shows what can be done when imagination is used and there is engagement between skills providers and the people who need them. Speaking to the students and seeing their passion was particularly inspiring.

At the invitation-only PING Conference, which VWV is holding on 19 June 2023 in association with EMIG, we will be hearing more from Kit Davies on SITEC, as well as other programmes from the University of Hertfordshire in developing the right skills that business needs. We will also hear from The Home Office about their plans for access to skills from people outside of the UK.

Other topics at the 2023 PING Conference include the new VPAS/VPAG scheme, an interview with the MHRA about the issues they are currently facing, and access to space.

If you would like to be invited to attend the PING Conference in association with EMIG, in June, please contact Paul Gershlick in our Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences team on 07795 570 072, or complete the form below.