New learning centre set to help grow Forth Valley’s biotechnology sector

The creation of a world class biotechnology sector in Forth Valley has been boosted by the launch of a new learning hub.

The biotechnology learning hub is contained within one of the new Skills Transition Centre (STC) rooms at Forth Valley College.

“Through our new Skills Transition Centre, we can enhance and accelerate the growth of the bio-tech sector here,” said Skills Transition Centre Project Manager, Laura Fraser.

“Life sciences already contribute around £10.5 billion in turnover to Scotland’s economy, supporting more than 46,000 jobs. The Scottish Government’s recently launched Life Sciences Strategy is looking to grow this to £25 billion by 2035.”

The Grangemouth area is already home to companies like MiAlgae, which specialises in producing omega-3 fatty acids for pet food and aquaculture using by-products from the whisky industry and who are currently building a new facility; Celtic Renewables, an innovator in producing green chemical like bio-acetone, bio-butanol, and bio-ethanol from food waste; and Piramal Pharma Solutions (PPS), which focuses on the development of bio-manufactured drugs.

The biotech learning hub will provide students and employees with access to industry-standard laboratory equipment, including freeze dryers, pH meters, homogenisers and Solaris IO fermenters.

“This advanced equipment will transform practical training by enabling learners to develop hands-on competence in core bioprocessing techniques. Learners will gain direct experience operating professional-grade systems used across pharmaceutical, food and environmental biotechnology industries, ensuring their skills are aligned with current and emerging industry requirements,’ said Colin McMorrin, Curriculum Manager at Forth Valley College.

Training will focus on key industrial processes such as fermentation, sample preservation, pH monitoring and cell disruption. A strong emphasis will be placed on applied learning, allowing learners to move beyond theoretical understanding and develop the practical, work-ready skills expected by employers. 

This approach ensures that apprentices, upskilling employees and full-time students are equipped to transition effectively into roles such as bioprocess technicians, laboratory analysts and production operators.

“The hub will help will strengthen the region’s talent pipeline, supporting employers to access a workforce with relevant, industry-ready skills. It will also create opportunities for closer collaboration between education and industry, supporting innovation, workforce development and the continued growth of the biotechnology sector in Scotland,” added Colin,

Part of the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal – a transformative collaboration between the UK and Scottish Governments, Falkirk Council and local partners - the STC is designed to drive innovation and help reskill and upskill the workforce.

The £4 million centre supports Scotland’s Just Transition by enabling learners to access sustainable employment opportunities within lower-carbon industries over the coming decade.

For more information visit: https://www.forthvalley.ac.uk/about-us/skills-transition-centre

Group Picture shows: Staff – including Colin McMorrin, Curriculum Manager at FVC’s Skills Transition Centre (back left) - being trained on the biotechnology learning hub’s new equipment.