Clinical trials (CT) play a pivotal role in determining societal health outcomes as the primary method of advancing clinical knowledge. However, workforce shortages and lack of CT specific expertise continue to be rate-limiting steps constraining sector growth. We developed ‘SKILLED clinical trials internship program’ (SKILLED) offering an accelerated, competency-based training pathway for science graduates to enter the CT sector. The program includes two streams one for Study Coordinators (SC) and another for Clinical Trials Assistant (CTA) interns. This research aimed to comprehensively evaluate the program’s impact on interns, and the host sites’ CT capacity.
We designed a mixed-methods survey to evaluate the impact of SKILLED on participants from 2019-2023, looking specifically at intern competency, career trajectories, host site CT capacity, overall satisfaction and comparison of regional versus metropolitan experiences. We surveyed both internship participants and host sites. Descriptive statistics summarised responses.
The survey response rates were 42% (CTAs), 39% (SCs), and 43% (host sites). CTAs rated the program impactful in 6/8 competencies, while SCs rated it impactful in 9/14 areas. 82.5% of 2019-2023 graduate interns remain employed in the CT sector and 77% recommended the program. Host sites reported increased trial activity (1–13 in 2019 to 6–50 in 2023) but noted challenges with timelines, start-up efforts, and intern variability. The report differentiates regional & metro placed interns’ impact of the program and experience of host sites. Overall satisfaction was very high.
The SKILLED program was a successful model for CT workforce development, aligned to sector needs across oncology, non-oncology, and diverse geographic settings. Enhancements in financial management training, practical skills, and streamlined host site processes could boost impact and sustainability. The approach is a scalable model for national workforce development. By addressing workforce shortages and improving trial conduct, the program drives long-term improvements in CTs governance and capacity.