Advancing Biomanufacturing Talent: WPI’s BETC

At the forefront of biomanufacturing workforce development in Central Massachusetts, MBI is committed to facilitating the development of skilled talent to meet the growing demands of the biotech industry. A key partner in this mission is the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Biomanufacturing Education and Training Center (BETC), an industry-driven learning facility focused on bridging the gap between academic knowledge and hands-on biomanufacturing skills. Through MBI’s Biomanufacturing Workforce Initiative (BWI), WPI has been able to grow their workforce training programs with connections to industry representatives.

The BETC is creating targeted training programs that address the evolving needs of biotech employers. These programs, including the Fundamentals of Biomanufacturing program, range from intensive short courses to multi-week certificate programs, all designed to equip students and working professionals with essential skills in areas like cell culture, downstream processing, and biomanufacturing quality standards. With the industry facing a significant workforce shortage, BETC’s specialized training is invaluable, empowering new and existing workers with expertise directly relevant to today’s biomanufacturing roles. Recently, the BETC’s Fundamentals of Biomanufacturing training program received a Pathmaker designation from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) that signifies the program meets industry recognized standards for pre-employment training.

MBI and the BETC work together by leveraging MBI’s extensive network of biotech and life sciences organizations, to gain access to real-time feedback on the critical skills that employers need today, making the program a powerful tool in addressing the industry’s workforce pipeline.

Together, MBI and WPI BETC are fostering a community of biomanufacturing professionals who are well-prepared for the complex demands of the life sciences industry. Through this partnership, they are not only helping to meet immediate workforce needs but also building a foundation for Central Massachusetts to grow as a leading hub for biomanufacturing innovation and economic development.