Worcester Polytechnic Institute BioManufacturing Program

Recently I was reading a local paper which had a small advertisement for an evening certificate program that was being offered by WPI here in Worcester.  As many people are having problems finding jobs these days programs like these are an important part of getting Massachusetts back on track.

The program is an evening certificate program that lasts 8 weeks and focuses on skill training for working in biomanufacturing.  WPI is working with New England biotech companies to simulate the activities and environment that the graduates would be facing in the real world.  Being able to work in WPI’s Lab space is a significant advantage and participants will also be working with instructors that could also be potential hiring managers.

The biotech industry is a key part of the New England economy and Worcester has become one of the hubs of activity in this space.  Not only is there work being done at Worcester Polytechnic Institute but also at the University Of Massachusetts Worcester where Governor Patrick spoke in October of 2007 about their role in the Life Sciences industry as can be seen in our Worcester Videos section.

The WPI program also offers the graduates contact information for the following biomanufacturing companies with some form of operation in New England.  I have added the Massachusetts locations that the company identify on their websites though if you are open to relocation I’m sure that is something that can be discussed.

Abbott Bioresearch Center (Worcester)
Alkermes (Cambridge)
Celldextherapeutics (Formerly Avant Immunotherapeutics) (Fall River)
Avecia (Oligo Medicines) (Milford)
Biogen Idec (Cambridge, Wellesley, Waltham)
Bristol-Myers Squibb (Devens)
Genzyme (Cambridge, Framingham, Waltham, Westborough)
Lonza (Hopkinton)
Shire HGT (Cambridge)
Wyeth (Cambridge, Andover)

The next class is in September but one is open for October as well.  It is a small program so if you are interested please sign up soon.  Here is the link to the information on the WPI Biomanufacturing Certificate page on their website.