Building Careers the Non-traditional Way
In the emerging field of biomanufacturing, a growing need for workers is galvanizing career professionals and leading institutions like CSULB to innovate new pathways for learners to join this burgeoning industry.
In spring 2023, CSULB’s College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPACE) began working with CSUF and CSULA, in a partnership with Biocom California Institute – the advocate for California’s life science sector— to establish the Biomanufacturing Sciences and Applications program. The first of its kind, the program creates alternative pathways to launch careers in the biomanufacturing industry. In just six months, these students can earn a certificate demonstrating the skills and theory that position them for a variety of roles in biomanufacturing.
Housed within CPaCE, the program builds a broader understanding of biomanufacturing and provides students with knowledge of career pathways within the industry. Providing a broad overview of scientific principles, current research, and industrial applications for biomanufacturing — including the operation and maintenance of biomanufacturing equipment — the program’s curriculum is deeply rooted in our strategic priority of promoting intellectual achievement to enrich our development of knowledge and skills for California and beyond.
CSULB takes the lead in providing infrastructure for registration and the first of three 40-hour courses that students will complete across the partnering universities. A coordinated effort with our sister campuses, CSULB spearheads outreach and recruitment efforts in the community through cultivation of relationships with workforce agencies and employers as well as monthly information sessions for students. Through this program, we look into the future of career building, focusing on career pathways, lifelong learning, and relationships with professionals already doing the job.
Biocom’s involvement propels Beach learners to move the life science industry forward and harness the collective power and experience of the innovative programs that improve the human condition. The company’s transformative role in this partnership expands intellectual achievement to diverse populations, including non-traditional learners, post-graduates looking to launch a career, and even current students.
In choosing to partner with CSULB, Biocom Director of Workforce Strategy & Innovation Vicki Brannock noted that “the value of consistent, relevant curricula available for statewide instruction can’t be understated.”
“We knew that CSULB’s College of Professional and Continuing Education has the reach and resources to facilitate this.”
Through this program, our campus is responding to the challenge of ensuring networking and professional development for underserved communities that have previously had limited access to both opportunities. The Biomanufacturing Sciences and Applications Program helps advance CSULB’s mission to offer meaningful curriculum to support continuing education, providing an alternative opportunity for knowledge and skill-building beyond a traditional degree program. We continue to cater to the job market’s demand for specific skills and experience. As a result, we are offering this flexible program as another route to fostering a fulfilling and innovative career.
“The Cal State has long been a university system of choice for biotech employers seeking the best candidates,” Brannock said, “and having this additional certificate option provides all interested parties the skills and exposure necessary to compete for jobs in biomanufacturing.”
