Программа колледжа в Огайо готовит специалистов для фармацевтической отрасли

MIDDLETOWN, Ohio (WKRC) — A Butler Tech training program is helping introduce people to careers they may never have considered while building a local workforce for a pharmaceutical industry that is rapidly expanding in Greater Cincinnati. The Current Good Manufacturing Practices, or cGMP, Fundamentals program gives students hands-on experience with the processes and standards used to safely manufacture medications. The Current Good Manufacturing Practices, or cGMP, Fundamentals program gives students hands-on experience with the processes and standards used to safely manufacture medications. (WKRC) Students learn how to work in cleanroom environments, follow standard operating procedures, use equipment and document each step of the manufacturing process. The eight-week program was developed with input from several industry and economic development partners, including biomanufacturer Resilience, which operates a large manufacturing facility in West Chester. Resilience employees help teach the Butler Tech course and speak with students about different pharmaceutical careers. Students also tour Resilience's manufacturing operation to see how what they are learning in the classroom translates to an actual production environment. Matthew Kreate works for Resilience and serves as a cGMP instructor at Butler Tech. "It's kind of a niche job, and a lot of people don't even know that it exists," Kreate said. Kreate said about 60 students, including the current class, have gone through the program so far. He said Resilience has hired about 16 students from the program, while others have taken their training to other employers. The need for those workers is growing. Kreate said Resilience's West Chester workforce has grown from about 350 employees five years ago to roughly 1,200 today, with the company planning to hire hundreds more. Resilience and Eli Lilly and Company announced in July that their combined investment in Resilience's Ohio operations has reached $750 million. As part of the expanded partnership, Resilience will manufacture Lilly's KwikPen injectable devices, which are used to deliver medications for diabetes and obesity. The expansion is expected to create at least 400 new jobs in the Cincinnati region, with production expected to begin in 2027. Many of the positions will be technician jobs involving filling, visual inspection and packaging. Kreate said the Butler Tech program can give people the foundation needed to pursue those careers even if they have never worked in pharmaceutical manufacturing before. "In the pharma industry, a lot of times we're looking for some core traits in people," Kreate said. "A lot of time the traits matter more than experience." Kreate said he has seen students whose previous experience was in retail or fast food go on to work in high-tech positions at Resilience. That accessibility is one reason those behind the program believe it can play a larger role in growing Ohio's pharmaceutical industry. Butler Tech says its cGMP program was designed to help people enter pharmaceutical, food, beauty, personal care and other advanced manufacturing fields. "The field is growing like crazy," Kreate said. "The state of Ohio is actively trying to bring more biopharmaceutical manufacturers to the state." Kreate said having people already learning the industry allows the region to demonstrate to prospective employers that there is a pipeline of workers who can be prepared for those jobs. For current Butler Tech cGMP student Nancy Bracken, the program introduced her to a potential new career. Bracken said she has a high school diploma but little additional formal education. She learned about the course from a previous student and is now interested in pursuing pharmaceutical manufacturing after completing the program. "I do enjoy helping people and just knowing that you're doing something that's bigger than what you think you're capable of," Bracken said. Bracken said the opportunity was particularly appealing because the course was provided to her at no cost with support from Resilience and JobsOhio. She compares the precise nature of pharmaceutical manufacturing to following a recipe. "You're following a recipe step by step because if you miss something, it's gonna be a problem," Bracken said. She said she would like to eventually work for Resilience but believes the training can create opportunities well beyond one company. "I think that it's a really great opportunity," Bracken said. "I think it's a huge asset for the community." The program has already produced examples of students moving directly into the industry. Butler Tech previously highlighted graduate John Ferrando, who entered the cGMP program without prior biomanufacturing or pharmaceutical experience and was hired by Resilience within weeks of completing it. For Kreate, the value of pharmaceutical manufacturing extends beyond economic development and job creation. "I really like pharmaceuticals. And part of that is knowing that I've made somebody's life better," Kreate said. "So it's a job that you can go to and feel like you've made a difference. The medicines we make are life-changing." Kreate said he even has family members who use products manufactured at Resilience. "It's very important that we do it right," Kreate said. "And there's a sense of pride in that." Kreate also understands firsthand what discovering the industry can mean for someone who has not found the right career. "For me, the most exciting thing about the course is finding a career for people who just really haven't found that place where they fit in," Kreate said. "Before I got into pharma, I had lots of less than desirable jobs," he added. "So really for me it connected, and it's been a very, very positive experience." More information about Butler Tech's cGMP Fundamentals program is available through Butler Tech. Trending 119-year-old amusement park announces permanent closure, property to be sold The 52-acre site includes an amusement park and water park. It opened in 1907 as a trolley park at the end of a transit line. Lawmaker sends letter to Kroger after dozens of shoppers report fraud Dozens of Cross Lanes residents reported unauthorized debit and credit card charges, leading to an active consumer-protection investigation. High school student suspended after bringing coffee on first day of school A Beaver River Central School senior was suspended after bringing coffee to school under a new outside food and drink rule. 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