A pioneering work experience project, My Life SC1ence, is helping make jobs in London's life sciences and MedTech sector more accessible and understandable for the next generation of young talent.
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.
We asked Jessica, one of the young people who took part in the programme to tell us their story:
"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.
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."
