The SKILLED clinical trials workforce program has welcomed 20 new interns in February 2026, with orientation underway from 9 to 13 February.
For the first time, Clinical Trial Administrative Officers (CTAO) and Study Coordinators (SC) will undertake a combined orientation to get more skilled clinical trials practitioners into the workforce, faster.
“Bringing the two roles together from the outset expands professional networks, exposes interns to a broader range of clinical trial roles, and builds a shared understanding of how multidisciplinary teams work together to deliver high-quality clinical trials across Victoria,” said Chris Packer, Senior Manager, SKILLED Internship Program with VCCC Alliance.
In 2026, SKILLED is also introducing a new intern pathway within research offices, recognising the critical role these teams play across the entire clinical trial lifecycle—from study design and funding, ethics and regulatory approvals, safety reporting and quality assurance, through to trial close-out.
“By offering a research office pathway, SKILLED is creating new opportunities for hands-on training and career development while addressing workforce gaps in an under-resourced but essential part of the clinical trials system,” Ms Packer said
The pathway supports the development of a sustainable pipeline of skilled staff for research offices and trial delivery teams. This will help implement the National Clinical Trials Governance Framework (NCTGF) standards and support integration of clinical trials into everyday health services to improve patient access and service quality
Now in its eighth year, SKILLED has established itself as a way to get more skilled workers into the clinical trial sector.
To sustain and expand the clinical trials workforce pipeline, SKILLED is seeking:
“This program is delivering workforce-ready clinical trial professionals who are essential to the future of clinical research and patient care,” said Ms Packer.
“With modest, targeted investment in training, stipends and regional supports, we can secure the clinical trials workforce of the future and ensure all Victorians have access to clinical trials, no matter where they live.”
The SKILLED Internship Program has been recognised nationally by ARCS Australia’s white paper, Strengthening Australia's Clinical Trials Workforce, as a recommended case model for national rollout.
