Science Industries

The sector in a snapshot

Science as a sector straddles other industries, offering essential research, labour, support and development. For example the UK life sciences industry employed 268,000 people across 6,330 businesses and generated a turnover of £88.9bn in 2020 (Official Statistics, 2020). In fact, the life sciences industry is considered one of the crowning jewels of the UK industry market.

Science is used and found primarily across the Healthcare, Energy, Crime and Legal, Engineering, Agricultural, Transport, Digital and Technology sectors. From the heat and light in our homes, to the way our food is produced, the care we receive in a hospital, or the way criminals are uncovered: science is an integral part of everyday life and an engaging sector to be part of.

What could the sector offer you?

A job in these industries may allow you to:

Have options - as you can see, there are lots of areas and roles in science that you can pick from, and not all of them will be in a lab!
Be methodical in your approach - most roles in this sector will have processes and regulations to follow.
Work in an area you're passionate about - whether it's working in forensics to uncover crimes, helping animals and people or putting warm and safe food on plates, you will find lots to choose from.
Learn and train - education is essential in this sector with lots of roles needing Higher Education.
Be part of something - you will literally be part of the future. Things you help discover now can help out in future generations.
Think outside the box - science is all about problem solving, so you will need to think creatively.

Reality Check

Science is not an easy area to get a foot on the ladder in. It is highly academic, with most apprenticeships (if they exist) only being available to graduates or higher level students. In some careers, your previous grades can act as a barrier to you. The science sectors are popular for employment so can also be competitive if you don't have higher level qualifications and some roles are subject to funding issues if projects are pulled or deemed obsolete.

You may need to have skills in...

Problem solving, analysis, patience, time management, team work, communication, technology, interpersonal skills, dexterity, organisation, being methodical, creative thinking, research

Some roles in the sector

PHARMACIST (Average of £45,000 per annum)

A pharmacist prepares or directs the preparation of prescribed medicines that have been suggested by other professionals. They usually liaise with these other professionals and on the appropriate use of medicine and will also advise patients on side effects. It is a role of high responsibility, with a patient's life being at stake for an incorrect dosage. Accurate filing and record keeping is essential as well as stock management in a community or hospital pharmacy.

MICROBIOLOGIST (Approx. £18,821 to £47,642)

Microbiologists will work primarily in lab or sanitary conditions to monitor, identify and help to control infectious diseases. They will use scientific techniques and can even be involved in the creation and testing of new medicine. In some cases microbiologists will aid in food and crop production in agriculture and ensure the safety of what we eat and drink. In more recent years, they have been involved in using microorganisms to control pollution.