Philadelphia’s Workforce Expansion: Building Life Sciences Careers Beyond Advanced Degrees

Philadelphia is rapidly emerging as a major life sciences hub, offering diverse and innovative programs to cultivate a skilled workforce and drive industry growth across all educational levels.

By Annabel Baldy | August 13, 2024

Philadelphia is rapidly emerging as a hub for life sciences and biotechnology, with an expanding array of resources aimed at cultivating local talent. In recent years, the region has secured several grants aimed at expanding the life sciences sector and enhancing access to opportunities for local communities. Numerous initiatives have been launched to uplift Philadelphia’s residents. In 2022, Philadelphia Works was awarded a $22.7 million federal grant from the US Economic Development Administration’s Good Jobs Challenge to help 3,000 Philadelphians attain stable employment in key sectors, including healthcare and life sciences. This funding facilitated the launch of the Keystone Life Sciences Collaborative in March 2024, in partnership with local organizations like the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, The Wistar Institute, The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia and Select Greater Philadelphia Council, Montgomery Community College, Life Sciences PA, and SMART Bio Works.

This growth isn’t just for those with advanced degrees; the city is making sure there’s something for everyone, no matter their educational background. The city’s commitment to fostering a skilled workforce is evident in its diverse programs, ranging from hands-on learning experiences for high school students to specialized training for aspiring biotech professionals. Philadelphia’s proactive approach seeks to not only support the industry but also about build a robust pipeline of skilled workers ready to drive innovation and contribute to the city’s thriving life sciences sector.

University City Science Center (UCSC)

At the forefront of this effort is the University City Science Center, a non-profit powerhouse dedicated to advancing STEM education and workforce development in the city. Their FirstHand™ program is a key part of this mission, offering free, year-round learning experiences for middle and high school students. Over the past decade, FirstHand™ has grown from single-day field trips to a nationally recognized, US Department of Education-funded, multi-week STEM education program. This expansion has enabled the program to serve 2,500 students across 87 schools and 23 partner institutions, with 37,000 hours of student engagement. FirstHand™ connects local youth to Philadelphia’s entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem through hands-on, project-based learning in its lab. This initiative aims to inspire early interest in STEM disciplines by providing practical, real-world applications and mentorship from STEM professionals.

FirstHand™ at the Science Center

• Hands-On Learning: Engages students in lab-based programming and project-based lessons with real-world applications.
• Mentorship: Pairs students with STEM professionals to offer insights into various careers and provide guidance.

The Wistar Institute

BioBuzz’s 2022 Workforce Champion of the Year, The Wistar Institute, is renowned for its Biomedical Technician Training (BTT) Pre-apprenticeship Program, which prepares individuals for technical roles in biomedical research. The Wistar Institute was recently awarded a $649,971 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support the continued expansion of this program. Complemented by additional training opportunities, including apprenticeships and courses focused on bio-entrepreneurship, The Wistar Institute’s initiatives are designed to equip participants with essential skills for careers in biomedical research and life sciences innovation, underscoring its commitment to advancing the field through robust and comprehensive training.

Programs Include:

• Biomedical Technician Training Program: Provides comprehensive training in essential lab techniques and biomedical research.
• Fox Biomedical Research Technician Apprenticeship: Offers hands-on experience in biomedical research.
• Life Science Innovation Course: Focuses on bio-entrepreneurship and developing innovative solutions in life sciences.

West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI)

Life Science Cares (LSC) Philadelphia’s non-profit partner, The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI), is committed to providing training and job placement assistance across various industries, including life sciences. Recently, WPSI, in collaboration with The Wistar Institute, PIDC, and the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, expanded their Biomedical Technician Training Program with VintaBio, Inc. This new initiative builds on previous collaborations, including two programs with Iovance Biotherapeutics. Designed to meet VintaBio’s demand for skilled workers in cell and gene therapy manufacturing, the program wrapped up in July 2024 after a 22-week training period. Be sure to check their website for information on upcoming training opportunities!

HelaPlex

In 2022, Biotech entrepreneur Tia Lyles-Williams announced the planning of a pilot program called the HelaPlex Biotechnology Workforce Development Training Program, designed for individuals seeking careers in the life sciences without needing a degree. Currently in development at the HelaPlex workspace in Southwest Philadelphia, this upcoming program is set to provide essential biotech skills for entry-level positions. For an in-depth look at Tia Lyles-Williams’ vision and insights into her work, check out our interview with her here.

Philadelphia’s dedication to advancing workforce development in life sciences and biotech reflects a broader vision to cultivate local talent and fuel innovation in these critical industries. As these programs continue to evolve, they offer valuable pathways for individuals to build successful careers and contribute to the city’s dynamic life sciences sector.