MBI & QCC’s Biomanufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship Program
When our partners at AbbVie identified a critical need for trained biomanufacturing technicians—particularly individuals without college degrees—MBI stepped in as a catalyst to connect industry and academia. Through the Biomanufacturing Workforce Initiative (BWI), MBI collaborated with AbbVie and Quinsigamond Community College (QCC) to design and launch the Biomanufacturing Technician Pre-Apprenticeship Program. This effort exemplifies MBI’s unique ability to bridge gaps between industry needs and academic resources, driving impactful solutions for workforce development in Central Massachusetts.
The program’s development began with MBI facilitating conversations to identify workforce challenges and opportunities, ensuring a tailored approach to address the growing demand for skilled biomanufacturing talent. The result is a 10-week curriculum providing participants with foundational skills for entry-level biomanufacturing roles. From lab safety and quality control to basic manufacturing processes, the hands-on training is directly aligned with industry requirements thanks to AbbVie’s active involvement.
A hallmark of the program is its accessibility. Recognizing the diversity of the local workforce, QCC and AbbVie integrated the curriculum with QCC’s Foreign Born Adult program and ESL (English as a Second Language) classes. This inclusive approach opens doors for individuals from various backgrounds, offering a pathway into the life sciences industry for those without traditional academic or career experiences.
Now open to the public, the creation of the Biomanufacturing Technician Pre-Apprenticeship Program at QCC exemplifies MBI’s mission to foster collaboration, innovation, and opportunity. By connecting industry leaders like AbbVie with academic partners like QCC, MBI not only addressed an immediate workforce need but also created a scalable model for workforce development. This initiative strengthens the regional biomanufacturing talent pool, supports economic growth, and reinforces Central Massachusetts as a hub for the life sciences industry—a win for both the community and the sector.
