RI Bio has created a strategic partnership with Skills for Rhode Island’s Future, the Pharmaceutical Development Institute (PDI) at URI’s College of Pharmacy, and Real Jobs RI to host a Biotech Boot Camp this fall. The goal of the two-week intensive program is to provide in-depth and in person hands-on demonstration of the technical skills employers need.  

RI Bio is the trade organization and voice of the Rhode Island Life Sciences industry. Skills for Rhode Island's Future is a nonprofit workforce intermediary dedicated to building talent pipelines. PDI is committed to enhancing and expanding the capacity and workforce development of pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms in their state-of-the-art facility.  Real Jobs RI is a business-led workforce development initiative of the Department of Labor and Training.  

“Rhode Island’s life sciences companies tell me a lack of trained talent is their number one challenge,” said Carol Malysz, RI Bio Executive Director. “But what’s truly unique is our strategic partnership with area life sciences companies and the amount of interest they have expressed in hiring our graduates.”  

Boot Camp graduates will have an opportunity to participate in a Job Fair with interested companies including: East Side Clinical Laboratory, Brown Urology, Denison Pharmaceuticals, RISE/Thielsch Engineering, Cargill, and others. Graduates will also have access to resumé writing and interview preparation workshops to secure entry-level positions in biotech, pharmaceutical & healthcare.   

“We developed this boot camp, geared toward career-minded job seekers, to create a pipeline of talent for the future and help people get started on the path to a rewarding, future-proof career in biotechnology,” said Duncan Ermer, Director of Career Services at SkillsRI.  

The Boot Camp is open to just 15 candidates who must pass an interview and evaluation process. Participants must also be residents of Rhode Island. The program will cover aseptic technique, gowning, document control, biopharmaceutical manufacturing concepts, quality control systems, measurement & data collection, troubleshooting, and report writing, customer service, verbal & written communications skills, and more.   

“Students will have the chance to learn face-to-face, ask questions, and practice skills hands-on with our industry professionals in our state-of-the-art laboratory setting,” added Kristen Riley, Education & Training Coordinator at PDI. “The PDI facility is backed by The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, one of the oldest and most prestigious colleges of pharmacy in the country.”  

The Boot Camp is a win-win-win, Malysz added. “Employers will gain a much-needed, skilled workforce, graduates will learn sought-after skills and have interview opportunities to land new, well-paying jobs, and both will lead to a more sustainable workforce and expanded job growth in the state.” 

About RI Bio 
As the trade group and voice of southeastern New England’s life sciences industry, RI Bio fosters strategic partnerships that can create a healthier world and grow the life sciences economy. They serve as a catalyst for biotech industry acceleration, advocating for better policy, educating a strong life science workforce, collaborating with life sciences companies, hospitals, universities, capital sources and government agencies, sharing information and expertise, and promoting the advancement of science. The result is improved quality of life, advanced innovation and discovery, and a robust life sciences ecosystem.