Manufacturing awards: Bristol Myers Squibb is building a workforce for cutting-edge drug making
New England Council member, Bristol Myers Squibb, is in the process of expanding its Devens facility to handle new, cutting-edge manufacturing, including personalized cell therapy for patients with cancer. The work is very specialized, to train its employees, the company has been launching new programs with educational institutions around the region.
In its first year in 2021, the apprenticeship program trained 30 people, with nine of them placed with Bristol Myers Squibb. This year, it’s growing to 100 apprenticeships. Participants can train either as bioprocessing technicians or as clinical trial associates. This focus on scientific education is particularly important for Bristol Myers Squibb due to the nature of its manufacturing. The company also works to help its current bioprocessing technicians gain an advanced understanding of its science. It partnered with Worcester Polytechnic Institute to develop courses.
“It’s a really interesting program because it provides a win-win situation for the students as well as the employers,” said Odile Smith, vice president and head of the Devens manufacturing site for Bristol Myers Squibb, “Last year we hired over 300 people, so of course it’s really putting efforts where we see needs.”
The New England Council commends Bristol Myers Squibb for its expansion and new cutting-edge training.
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