This article was written for our sponsor, NCBiotech
Thanks to a unique partnership, military service members, veterans and their spouses have been able to earn biopharma manufacturing certifications at no cost.
The Military Service Members in Biopharma Manufacturing (MSMBM) program provided tuition for manufacturing certifications to those who actively serve, military spouses, and to veterans. The program was piloted at schools located in North Carolina and Texas.
Lisa Smelser, Program Director, Biotechnology at Central Carolina Community College, explained that a handful of military service members leveraged the program to complete the BioWork certificate program at Central Carolina Community College or Durham Technical Community College.
"The program helps provide transitioning military service members, veterans and their spouses training in the [life sciences] industry," said Smelser.
The program, offered last summer, lasted eight weeks and provided training and helped participants achieve a BioWork certificate.
A BioWork certificate equips students with the skills needed to qualify for entry-level jobs in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or chemical manufacturing.
More specifically, the program provides training for process technician roles, addressing areas like manufacturing practices, technology and equipment processes, and quality control.
"It’s really the first step for those seeking positions within the biomanufacturing field," said Smelser. "The courses teach students foundational skills they need to begin a successful career in biopharma manufacturing."
One of the best parts of the program occurred after BioWork. As partners in the MSMBM program, Pfizer and Merck provided interviews and job opportunities to those who completed the training.
Smelser explained, "There was no guaranteed job. But they all were guaranteed at least a conversation with a company such as Pfizer and Merck."
In their first cohort, four of the 10 participants immediately landed positions at Pfizer or Astellas Gene Therapies in Sanford.
Smelser noted that people with military backgrounds can transition successfully into these jobs after taking BioWork.
"The courses provide the knowledge needed to enter the industry in bioprocess technical roles," she said. "After the certification, people can get jobs following standard operating procedures for companies that make medicines. Those with military experience do very well in that environment. They transition well into the industry."
As more companies invest in life sciences and establish operations in North Carolina, the demand for people interested and trained in biomanufacturing continues to be critical.
"There are a significant number of job openings available now and more are coming. So, we are trying to make sure young people are aware of the career opportunities that exist," said Smelser.
Creating more awareness about the opportunities is incredibly important. It’s equally as important to help job seekers understand that biomanufacturing jobs are different from traditional manufacturing jobs. Unlike traditional manufacturing, biopharmaceutical manufacturing involves the use of living organisms, such as cells, to create a product, often therapeutic or medicinal in use. Each moment that is spent in a biopharma manufacturing lab translates into potential steps closer to vaccines and treatments. The work is done in bright and sterile rooms and there is continued opportunity for growth, change and promotion within the industry.
"When people hear manufacturing jobs, they think about being on an assembly line and that’s not what this is at all," said Smelser. She added, "Veterans have skill sets and a lot of specialty training that is highly transferable into this sector.” As stated on
NCBiotech’s website, those skills include discipline, integrity, leadership, adaptability, attention to detail in addition to the important ability to see the larger mission.
This is not the first time NCBiotech has made their commitment to service members clear. In fact, NCBiotech has a history of working with veterans to help them transition into roles that best fit their unique abilities.
In 2019, the organization held free BioWork Blitz workshops to provide veterans a chance to learn about the life sciences sector in a hands-on environment. A partnership between the North Carolina BioNetwork and Fort Bragg’s Soldier For Life-Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP) made those learning workshops possible.
Additionally, NCBiotech coordinates with Central Carolina Community College and NC-based biomanufacturers, such as Pfizer, to provide internships for transitioning service members as part of
Fort Bragg’s Career Skills Program. These internships offer real time on-the-job training and can provide a direct pathway to civilian job placement.
This article was written for our sponsor, NCBiotech 
