March 29, 2022 (Cambridge, MA) – Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives (MBI) is awarding MassBioEd with their Building a Diverse Biomanufacturing Workforce Pipeline Challenge Grant in partnership with the Massachusetts Office of Business Development. This $25,000 grant will further MBI’s and MassBioEd’s shared mission of increasing diversity in the life sciences and biotechnology industries in Massachusetts.

With this grant, MBI is supporting the Biomanufacturing Technician track of MassBioEd’s Life Sciences Apprenticeship Program which provides selected candidates with a free comprehensive program of technical and soft skills education, on-the-job paid training, mentorship, and ongoing support. In particular, this grant will support the Central Massachusetts-based Biomanufacturing Technician cohort which will recruit individuals from that region, working with regional employer partners and providing local training delivered by Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Biomanufacturing Education and Training Center.

The Apprenticeship Program, which was launched in 2021, is working to meet the growing demand for talent in the Massachusetts life sciences industry by creating a new and diverse pool of qualified workers. MassBioEd is focused on recruiting candidates from underrepresented groups in the industry – including persons of color, women, and veterans – and unemployed or under-employed individuals, particularly those impacted by COVID-19. The program will help individuals gain industry-recognized skills and work experience, providing them with career opportunities at family-sustaining wages. Once accepted into the program, each candidate receives 3-6 months of education and training prior to being placed in a one-year, full-time, paid apprenticeship at partner companies.

To learn more about MassBioEd’s Apprenticeship program, please contact BioTalent@massbioed.org.