Wake Technical Community College is launching a first-in-the-nation apprenticeship program to boost the biopharmaceutical sector.

The college’s eight-month biomechatronics training program will prepare advanced maintenance technicians for high-demand careers with the region’s life sciences leaders: CSL Seqirus, FUJIFILM Biotechnologies and Eli Lilly and Company.

In the past two years, the Research Triangle region has experienced significant growth in the biopharmaceutical sector, with multiple companies announcing major expansions and creating jobs. Supported by the North Carolina Life Sciences Apprenticeship Consortium, the biomechatronics training is the first of its kind in the nation.

The program kicked off Monday with a signing ceremony at Wake Tech’s Beltline Education Center. Wake Tech leaders, industry partners and community college representatives celebrated with the inaugural cohort of nine apprentices and their families.

“This workforce development program is an example of how community colleges can be nimble and design training that meets the immediate needs of biotechnology industries that are growing significantly in our region,” said Wake Tech President Scott Ralls. “Our life sciences industry partners need quick training to onboard in-demand technicians in their biopharma facilities, and this program provides that.”

The apprentices will take accelerated non-degree courses at the Beltline Education Center to equip them to be skilled maintenance technicians in biopharma facilities. They’ll strengthen their knowledge in mechanical and electrical engineering, motor controls, pneumatics, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) used for industrial automation to prepare them to maintain and repair smart pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing equipment and ensure it operates safely.

As part of the program, the apprentices will earn Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) industry certifications in four areas: electrical systems, pneumatic systems, PLCs and mechanical power systems. The apprentices will receive additional industry training in smart manufacturing, troubleshooting, aseptic processing, current Good Manufacturing Practices, writing and reviewing standard operating procedures and cleanroom gowning. They’ll also receive customized training in workplace safety and health, CPR and first aid.

After eight months, they will transition to full-time, on-the-job training at either CSL Seqirus, FUJIFILM Biotechnologies or Eli Lilly.

Laura Rowley, vice president of Life Sciences Economic Development with the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, applauded the collaborative spirit of the new apprenticeship program.

“The commitment of three leading life sciences employers to provide on-the-job training and leverage the capabilities of our community colleges to create career pathways for North Carolinians to grow in the industry is worthy of celebration,” Rowley said.

Neighboring Durham Tech is a community college partner for the training, which is a continuation of RTP Bio, a collaboration between Wake Tech and Durham Tech to address workforce training needs of regional biotech employers.

This type of training will also take place in Wendell next year, when Wake Tech college opens its state-of-the-art Advanced Technology Center at Wake Tech East.

This article was originally published here.