There is a growing, unmet need for more workers in the biomanufacturing industry. Worcester County experienced 18% biomanufacturing job growth in 2002 and 12% growth in 2023, during a time when the rest of Massachusetts and other states saw declines. Although training and education programs have repeatedly demonstrated successful placements, there is a dwindling lack of candidates.
• At the same time of growing demand, many individuals who could succeed in the industry remain unaware of the opportunities, do not have the traditional four-year college education but have transferable skills, lack access to the opportunities, or do not fit the profile of candidates typically recruited.
• Although industry representatives often point to a goal of increasing diversity among their workforce, diversity remains elusive using traditional recruitment and outreach methods even when companies are in diverse communities such as Greater Worcester.
• If an individual is interested in careers, education, or specialized training in the biomanufacturing industry, there is no central resource for them to obtain information or assistance in navigating the system.
The program will expose individuals exploring, entering, or transitioning into the workforce to the biomanufacturing industry, local careers in the life sciences, and training and education programs. MBI recently completed a successful pilot marketing campaign, and MassBioEd developed the successful Career Hub in Greater Boston. Working together, this project will integrate and expand these initiatives into a full-scale, regional Life Sciences Career Hub bringing job market information, soft skills training, introduction to traditional and alternative education, and company connections directly to the community.
Through an interactive resource library, career coaching, and industry engagement, the Career Hub will help individuals find work in the industry and the industry find qualified candidates. It is a three-tiered, comprehensive approach.
1. Broad-based community awareness to increase knowledge of and interest in biomanufacturing careers through social media, print, radio, and online advertising including short stories from former program participants and industry representatives.
2. Targeted awareness programming brings career information to prospective employees and helps them understand current career opportunities within the industry as well as training and education available in the Greater Worcester area.
3. Career Coaching helps individuals navigate, enroll in, and persist in local training, education, certificate and apprenticeship programs.
Login to the NIIMBL member portal to access more, including:
Not yet a member? Learn more about which level of NIIMBL membership is right for you and your organization.
MassBio Education Foundation
Massachusetts Biomedical Initiative
