At Nottingham Trent University (NU) we have established a Biosciences Employer Advisory Group who inform our curriculum and assessment practice thereby ensuring our graduates are work ready and possess the skills the industries require now and in future.

Our employers are directly involved in delivering session to our students, interacting with our students and feed back on their skillset and competencies. Employers are involved in showcasing their work processes, industry expectations, professional expectations across a range of skillsets such as competency testing and sign off, interview techniques and job applications, Biochemistry assays and applications and the use of genetic testing to name just a view.

This has involved adapting module delivery, teaching activities and new assessments to mimic work activities and re-create work scenarios. During the process students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills relevant to their future careers.

The implementation is not without challenges including sustainability resource limitations, academic team buy-in, and logistical constraints. Addressing these challenges requires ongoing evaluation and adaptation of our initiative, alongside institutional support.

The recreated employment experiences in bioscience education offers numerous benefits for students, educators, and employers alike. By aligning assessments with real-world work activities, fostering industry partnerships, and promoting student engagement, students on full time modes of study are prepared for successful careers in the bioscience field.