BioHub Maryland Receives $75,000 EARN Maryland Grant to Boost Biopharma Workforce

News
2 min read
October 7, 2024

Frederick, MD (October 7, 2024) – BioHub Maryland, a leading initiative to accelerate life sciences in the state, today announced it has secured a $75,000 EARN Maryland grant from the Maryland Department of Labor to train Marylanders for biopharma manufacturing careers.

The grant, part of the Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN) program, focuses on building a skilled workforce to meet growing demand in the life sciences sector. BioHub Maryland will use the funds to train 15 participants—8 current life sciences workers aiming to enhance their skills and 7 newcomers to the field—at its new BioHub Maryland Training & Education Center at Montgomery County, scheduled to open this fall.

Focused, Hands-On Training

Trainees will receive hands-on experience in key bioprocessing areas such as aseptic techniques and manufacturing recombinant proteins, vaccines, and cell and gene therapies. The program will also cover essential practices like Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Documentation Practice (GDP), ensuring participants learn essential concepts for biopharma employment.

Meeting Industry Demand 

BioHub Maryland, an initiative of the Maryland Tech Council, is accelerating the life sciences industry for companies and career seekers to expand the state’s global innovation advantage. By addressing the shortage of skilled workers in biopharma manufacturing, BioHub Maryland is helping companies expand while creating high-wage opportunities for Maryland residents.

“The EARN Maryland program is about creating career pathways for Marylanders and growing our state’s economy,” said Maryland Secretary of Labor Portia Wu. “We are excited to partner with BioHub Maryland to train workers for critical roles in our state’s life sciences sector.”

Kelly Schulz, CEO of the Maryland Tech Council, emphasized the importance of workforce development in sustaining industry growth. “The life sciences sector is a major driver of Maryland’s economy, with 54,000 workers in Maryland. With a national shortage of biopharma talent, we have a clear opportunity to enhance Maryland’s competitive edge by reskilling current employees and upskilling newcomers. We are grateful for the Moore-Miller Administration’s support in developing the highly-skilled talent pipeline industry needs to succeed in Maryland.”

Addressing a Growing Labor Shortage 

Maryland is a leading hub for biopharma manufacturing, with top life sciences companies developing vaccines, therapies, and treatments in the state. However, with over 60,000 biopharma job vacancies nationwide, the industry faces a significant talent shortage. BioHub Maryland is meeting industry’s needs by training Marylanders in a state-of-the-art and multifunctional facility equipped with cutting-edge industrial bioprocessing equipment. BioHub Maryland features a globally trusted biopharma curriculum from the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT), a global leader in biopharmaceutical manufacturing training and research. 

About BioHub Maryland

BioHub Maryland is accelerating the life sciences industry for companies and career seekers to expand the state’s global innovation advantage. An initiative of the Maryland Tech Council, the largest technology and life sciences trade association in the state, BioHub Maryland helps residents of all backgrounds pursue rewarding careers in life sciences by offering skills training, career resources, and access to 1,200+ job openings in life sciences. BioHub Maryland also helps life sciences companies at every stage grow by showcasing their career opportunities, training the next generation of life sciences talent, and providing strategic resources for raising capital. Learn more at biohubmaryland.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X.

Media Contact

Henry Fawell
henry@campfirecomm.com 
(410) 212-8468