Mersey tech exporter launches £2 million skills development programme

Inovus Medical, a company specializing in the design, manufacturing, and export of surgical simulators, is set to provide skills training for teenagers in the Liverpool city region.

Founded in 2012 by Dr. Elliot Street and Jordan Van Flute, the St Helens-based firm produces products that assist in training surgeons. It is now launching a £2 million program aimed at offering young people an alternative pathway into the life sciences sector.

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has granted Inovus £1 million, which the company will match, to establish a six-month embedded skills training program for youth across the city region.

This initiative is part of the LCR Innovation Zone Programme, which aims to create 8,000 new jobs and attract up to £800 million in investment to the area over the next decade.

The program will be open to participants aged 16 to 18, allowing them to enhance their skillsets, gain practical experience, and receive personalized mentorship during their placement at Inovus. Opportunities will span various departments, including engineering, product development, sales, marketing, and finance.

Dr. Elliot Street remarked, “We recognise the significant role that luck and opportunity have played in our success. Coming from humble backgrounds, we understand that if we hadn't had access to environments where we could connect with the right people, Inovus Medical might not have come into existence. It’s essential for us to give back and create new opportunities for talented and enthusiastic young people in St Helens and the broader city region who may not otherwise have the chance to explore their potential.”

Inovus Medical is committed to developing accessible and affordable simulators for surgical training and has a proven history of training local apprentices. The company also operates a U.S. headquarters in Florida and employs around 50 staff. Following the pilot, the skills program is expected to expand to six additional sites across the city region, with a hub in each local authority area offering career opportunities and practical experience for young people.

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram commented, “Our Innovation Zone is focused on fostering growth and creating new opportunities throughout the Liverpool city region. By leveraging our existing strengths and supporting innovative companies like Inovus Medical, we’re not only addressing the skills gap in critical sectors such as life sciences but also opening up new career paths for young people.”