Registered Apprenticeships: A 360º View of the Biopharma Industry's Talent Solution
June 24, 2026
26AB
Type: Breakout Session
Focus Area:
Workforce, Health Equity, and Leadership
The biopharmaceutical industry needs sources for more, and better prepared talent, and there is building enthusiasm for skills-based hiring. Over the past few years, the Registered Apprenticeship (RA) model of workforce development has been successfully deployed in a variety of life science related career pathways, predominantly for biomanufacturing technicians. However, misinformation, outdated assumptions, and lack of a nationally consistent model have hampered large-scale adoption of RAs by this industry. Efforts are currently underway to establish National Registered Apprenticeship Standards, starting with those for biomanufacturing technicians, which can be shared across the country to streamline development of new programs. These national standards will allow customization to meet local employers’ needs while ensuring site-to-site consistency regardless of location.
By offering a 360º perspective this session will inform biopharma professionals on workforce development efforts in the life sciences and provide authentic accounts of incorporating Registered Apprenticeship as a significant contributor to talent development strategy.
Subtopic
Workforce Development and Planning
Moderator
Executive Director, Bioscience Workforce Development Hub, California
Miracosta College
Speakers


