King's College London

Co-created by King's College London, the London Institute for Healthcare Engineering (LIHE), and local grassroots organisation We Rise, the programme was first delivered in 2024 and offered a combination of work experience, creative design and employment support to local people.

The groups produced shareable content to answer their questions and appeal to their interests and networks, bringing to life the varied and exciting roles the MedTech and healthcare sectors have to offer.

The month-long work experience programme enable participants to work with technicians, academics, students and entrepreneurs from LIHE, King’s School of Biomedical & Engineering & Imaging Sciences and St Thomas’ Hospital.

The young people developed, scripted and filmed videos and social media content to demystify jobs and break down barriers to life sciences opportunities.

Jessica, one of the young people who took part in the programme, described how My Life SC1ence opened up new career possibilities: 

“Before this project with We Rise, I wasn’t in higher education or work. Traumatic experiences at school had left me struggling with social anxiety, making it difficult to put myself out there, let alone actively seek a job. I felt stuck.

Through the project, I not only discovered the vast career opportunities in life sciences – beyond just medicine and research – but also gained the confidence to take my own steps forward. One of the most eye-opening moments was hearing about Duane James, a senior lab technician, whose unconventional career path – from training as a plumber and then working at Sainsbury’s, to becoming a key figure in laboratory research – showed me that success isn’t limited to the traditional academic route.

At first, I hesitated to contribute creatively, fearing my ideas weren’t good enough. Public speaking terrified me, and working with new people felt overwhelming. However, writing a script for a life sciences film pushed me out of my comfort zone, and presenting it helped build my confidence.

Since completing the programme, Jessica has taken meaningful steps toward a future in healthcare: 

After the project, I followed through on one of my next steps: earning my phlebotomy licence. Now, I’m actively seeking opportunities in healthcare – something that once felt impossible. I’m currently learning to drive, moving house, and applying for a hospital job. Most importantly, I haven’t given up on my dream of pursuing medicine. This gap year is no longer just about waiting; it’s about growth.”

Jessica’s story is highlighted in the newly launched Lambeth Growth Plan, part of the borough’s bold 10-year vision for inclusive and sustainable growth. The plan aims to deliver 20,000 new jobs and 10,000 new homes, with a strong emphasis on improving access to education, skills, and employment in key sectors such as health and life sciences.

Speaking at the launch event, Professor Graham Lord, Senior Vice-President (Health & Life Sciences) at King’s College London, said:

“Lambeth already has many of the necessary components of the innovation ecosystem to drive inclusive growth. Through our partnership in the SC1 London Health and Life Sciences Innovation District, we will accelerate our world-leading strengths, including in MedTech, Biotech, and Neurosciences. We have support from the national government, regional alignment, and local consensus. Housing, prosperity, jobs, and the environment must be looked at inclusively as they are fundamental to everything we do.”

My Life SC1ence was funded through Lambeth Council’s Health & Life Sciences Community Innovation Fund, backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which supports projects promoting employment, skills development, and community engagement.

Building on its success, the Lambeth Growth Plan commits to implementing an expansive programme to increase awareness of growth‑sector opportunities, extend access to careers advice and training, and establish inclusive pathways into employment.