ABPI urges A-level students to consider careers in pharmaceutical industry

Recent ABPI research reveals that Generation-Z is increasingly attracted to the pharmaceutical industry, largely driven by competitive salaries

Now that A-Level results have been announced, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) is encouraging young people to consider careers in the pharmaceutical industry, highlighting the sector’s rewarding opportunities and the diverse range of career opportunities available beyond science and technology.

Andrew Croydon, Director of Education and Examination Policy and Partnerships, is calling on A-level students to choose a degree that could lead to rewarding careers in the pharmaceutical industry.

He noted that the sector not only offers competitive salaries but also the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on public health.

“Getting your A-level results is a pivotal moment for many young people considering their next steps. Many students will be going through clearing over the coming days, and for those considering their options, we urge you to look at a course that could lead to a fulfilling career within our industry.

“Whether you are interested in science, tech, business or even humanities, there is a place for you in our industry. Offering job security, excellent salaries, and most importantly, the chance to contribute to something that truly makes a difference in shaping the future of healthcare,” Croydon said.

Recent research from the ABPI revealed that Generation-Z is increasingly drawn to the pharmaceutical industry due to its competitive salaries, job security, and the chance to make a significant societal impact.

Salary was the top factor driving career attractiveness for young people, with 50 per cent of respondents selecting it over work-life balance (28 per cent), doing interesting work (23 per cent), and job security (20 per cent).

While young people have positive perceptions of the pharmaceutical industry, many remain unaware of the diverse range of career opportunities available beyond the traditional science and technology roles.

According to the report, the industry is often perceived as having a narrow academic entry pathway, leading to a view that its workforce lacks diversity.

The ABPI report underscored the need to improve recruitment of high-quality, diverse talent from across the UK by:

• Enhancing outreach programmes to improve young people’s understanding of the variety of roles available and different pathways into the industry.
• Celebrating existing diversity in the industry and expanding programmes that support diverse talent to enter, be supported in and succeed in the industry

As per the report, the pharmaceutical industry is recognised as having a more positive societal impact compared to tech, finance, and energy.

The ABPI noted that attracting the next generation of workers into the pharmaceutical industry is a “critical part of building the pipeline of skills it needs to succeed.”