Staffing up: Building the future biopharma workforce to keep America in the lead

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A new report from TEConomy shows how the biopharmaceutical industry is co-investing in the American workforce, not simply building new facilities.

Why it matters: PhRMA member companies have announced more than $500 billion in U.S. biopharmaceutical investments, expected to generate $1.2 trillion in economic activity and more than 100,000 jobs. But capital alone does not keep America in the lead — and the industry isn’t waiting for someone else to build the workforce to match.

The big picture: The workforce biopharmaceutical manufacturing needs may look different than most people expect.

24% employment growth between 2015 and 2024 — nearly six times faster than manufacturing overall.
42% of jobs are technical, skills-based roles — process technicians, quality specialists, maintenance mechanics — roles which are accessible through certificates, apprenticeships and two-year degrees, rather than four-year degrees.
The industry will need to hire or reskill roughly 30,000 workers per year through 2034, with technical roles accounting for the largest share.

Between the lines: To staff new facilities, companies are funding apprenticeships, boot camps and co-located training programs. Workers are paid while they learn, and the doors are open to veterans, career changers and people from non-traditional backgrounds. For instance, at Pfizer’s Andover campus, apprentices see average wage gains of 159%.

Zoom in:

Virginia: AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly and Merck are co-investing up to $120 million in the nation’s largest planned pharmaceutical manufacturing training hub.
North Carolina: Biogen trains workers inside its own facility with Durham Tech. Novo Nordisk invested $6 million in a new Life Sciences Training Center at Durham Tech and runs a paid three-year apprenticeship with Johnston Community College.
Ohio: Amgen built a no-tuition current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) boot camp and 18-month apprenticeship with Columbus State — workers are hired as full Amgen employees from day one.
Massachusetts: Pfizer’s Andover campus anchors MassBioEd’s Life Sciences Apprenticeship — 76% of graduates remain employed at the site two years later.

The bottom line: America’s biopharmaceutical leadership is the result of deliberate choices. Federal and state leaders have a strategic opportunity support America’s leadership in medicine research, development and manufacturing by supporting policies that create the strongest innovation ecosystem and ensure people can access and afford the medicines they need.

Read the full report and learn more at AmericaCures.com.

Drew Voytal

Drew Voytal, MPA is a Senior Director of public affairs at PhRMA focusing on advocacy and policy communications on key issues, including 340B. His career in health care advocacy, policy and public affairs spans more than a decade in Washington, DC where he has built relationships with key government and industry partners to advance public policy priorities. Drew has personally experienced the benefits of biopharmaceutical research and innovation and is passionate about telling the story of this vital industry.

Drew Voytal

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