Today, the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) announced its support of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation’s (MassBioEd) Life Sciences Apprenticeship program with a $50,000 grant. The program will support underrepresented groups in the life sciences industry, along with those who are unemployed and underemployed, providing them with the training and skills to afford them career opportunities within the sector.
The life sciences industry has seen a significant employer demand in two targeted areas, Biomanufacturing Technicians and Clinical Trial Associates. Due to this demand, MassBioEd’s Apprenticeship program kicked off June 1 with a cohort of Technicians with the second cohort beginning in August. Candidates of the program will receive 3-6 months of education and training followed by a one-year, full time, paid apprenticeship at participating companies including Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Arranta Bio, Bristol Myers Squibb, MassBiologics, and Pfizer.
The MLSC is bullish on our commitment that the next generation has the resources, education, and training to cultivate a talent pipeline that is unmatched by any other life sciences ecosystem. Our work can be seen across a number of our programs but also the deep partnerships we foster with fellow nonprofits and industry leaders like MassBioEd.
Since 2012, the MLSC has provided MassBioEd with over $1 million in grants to support biotechnology education at over 60 economically disadvantaged high schools and middle schools throughout Massachusetts. This funding has enabled schools to purchase state-of-the-art lab equipment and offer professional development opportunities for teachers. This investment includes recent partnerships with the schools districts of Boston, Lawrence, Salem, Chelsea, and Randolph, each of which received grants to implement MassBioEd curricula.
This year, the MLSC doubled down on our support of MassBioEd in honor of their 20 year anniversary celebration by providing $10,000 in sponsorship of their two main events, the Life Sciences Workforce Conference and Champions for Biotech Education. These events highlight the strength of the Massachusetts life sciences ecosystem and the unwavering support and partnerships developed between industry, academia, and government.
The MLSC is proud to join Bristol Myers Squibb, Pfizer, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, Alexion Charitable Foundation, and ArrantaBio in sponsoring the Life Sciences Apprenticeship program.