A-Level students urged to consider pharmaceutical careers

As A-level results are published across the UK today, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) is calling on young people to consider careers in the pharmaceutical industry, highlighting both the rewarding opportunities and the diverse range of career opportunities available beyond science and technology.

Many students will be happy they have secured their place at university or desired apprenticeship opportunity, while others will be opting to go through the UCAS clearing process, making critical decisions that will affect their future. With many course options available, the ABPI is calling on young people to choose a degree that could lead to rewarding careers in the pharmaceutical industry, a sector that offers not only competitive salaries but also the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on public health.

Recent ABPI research reveals that Generation-Z is increasingly attracted to the pharmaceutical industry, driven by competitive salaries, job security, and the chance to make a significant societal impact [1].

Despite the attraction to the industry, according to the report, many young people remain unaware of the diverse range of career opportunities available beyond the traditional science and technology roles.

Andrew Croydon, Director of Education and Examination Policy and Partnerships, said: “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.”

According to recent data on young people’s perceptions of careers in the pharmaceutical industry, the sector excels in being recognised as a force for good, rating it higher than tech (54% vs 23%), finance (53% vs 25%), and energy (53% vs 20%) in terms of its positive contribution to society.

With the right guidance and information, today's A-level students could be tomorrow's pioneers in medicine.

The ABPI website hosts a large bank of information on careers within the industry [2].

[1] The report ‘Young people’s perceptions of careers in the pharmaceutical industry’ was supported by ABPI members and Public First for research delivery, poll analysis and report development. The full report can be found here.
[2] ABPI website, Careers in the pharmaceutical industry.

 Media enquiries

ABPI Press Office, T: +44 (0)20 7747 7147 (24hrs), E: pressoffice@abpi.org.uk

About the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI)
The ABPI exists to make the UK the best place in the world to research, develop and access medicines and vaccines to improve patient care.

We represent companies of all sizes which invest in making and discovering medicines and vaccines to enhance and save the lives of millions of people around the world.

In England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, we work in partnership with governments and the NHS so that patients can get new treatments faster and the NHS can plan how much it spends on medicines. Every day, our members partner with healthcare professionals, academics and patient organisations to find new solutions to unmet health needs. www.abpi.org.uk