Friends of Vocational Technical & Agricultural Education,
We are excited to share this terrific news as Blackstone Valley Technical Institute has been awarded a $124,320 grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) through its Pathmaker initiative to support the launch of a new Biomanufacturing Technician program for adults through the Blackstone Valley Technical Institute (BVTi).
David
$124K Grant Supports New Biomanufacturing Program
Successful Completion Qualifies Students for a $2K Stipend, Classes Begin October 6thompletion Qualifies Students for a $2K Stipend, Classes Begin October 6thBVT has been awarded a $124,320 grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) through its Pathmaker initiative to support the launch of a new Biomanufacturing Technician program for adults through the Blackstone Valley Technical Institute (BVTi).
The award was announced September 17th at the MLSC’s Pathmaker Announcement Event, recognizing organizations across Massachusetts that are expanding education and workforce development opportunities in the life sciences.
The grant will support BVTi’s new grant-funded, earn-to-learn Biomanufacturing Technician program, designed to prepare adult learners with foundational knowledge, technical skills, and industry-recognized credentials needed to pursue careers in the growing biomanufacturing sector.
“Biomanufacturing is an exciting and rapidly expanding field, and this grant gives us an opportunity to connect adults in our region with meaningful pathways into the life sciences,” said BVT Superintendent-Director Anthony E. Steele II. “We are grateful to the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center for investing in workforce development and in the future of our students and our region.”
Biomanufacturing is an advanced technology sector within biotechnology focused on the large-scale production of biopharmaceuticals, biologics and human tissues. Massachusetts is a global leader in the life sciences, and the industry continues to expand beyond the Boston-Cambridge area into Central Massachusetts, including the Worcester region and South Coast.
As the number of life sciences and biomanufacturing companies in Massachusetts continues to grow, employers need a skilled workforce prepared to meet the technical demands of the industry. BVTi’s program is designed to help address that need while providing adults with an accessible pathway to explore and enter the biotechnology workforce.
The eight-week program will give students an overview of the biomanufacturing industry, along with hands-on technical training. Students will meet in person on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with additional asynchronous work on Saturdays, for a total commitment of approximately 15 hours per week.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will earn:
· Pathmaker Certification
· OSHA-10 Healthcare Certification
· BSCI-Microcredential in Aseptic Technique
Students who successfully complete all eight weeks of training and attain the required credentials will receive a $2,000 stipend, providing an earn-to-learn component that helps make career training more accessible to adult learners.
In partnership with MassHire Central Career Center, the program will also connect students with industry leaders and provide exposure to career opportunities within the biomanufacturing field.
The Biomanufacturing Technician program at BVTi is part of BVT’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality career technical education aligned with the needs of Massachusetts employers. Applications are now being accepted, with classes beginning Oct. 6.
For more information about adult education opportunities, including the Biomanufacturing Technician program and application process, visit us at BVTi or www.bvtadulted.org.
Chapter 74 Vocational Technical & Agricultural Education
LEARNING THAT WORKS FOR MASSACHUSETTS
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
DavidFerreira