Read the 2024 Apprentice Recruitment Overview.

Massachusetts is recognized as the worldwide hub for the life sciences industry. Employment in this industry has increased continually for decades, even while other industries faltered. Over 90,000 persons are currently employed in the Massachusetts life sciences ecosystem. All contribute to the mission of harnessing the power of science to develop, test, and manufacture novel and needed products. But the supply of qualified people has not kept up with the growing demand for talent.

MassBioEd’s Apprenticeship Program offers a streamlined pathway into the industry that combines technical training, on-site work experience, and income support. Soft skills workshops and broad industry knowledge are incorporated into the training to give apprentices an understanding of their role in the delivery of drugs to patients in need. Working with leading life science employers, MassBioEd has designed three apprenticeships – one for Biomanufacturing Technicians, one for Laboratory Support Specialists and one for Clinical Trial Associates. These programs enable individuals to obtain foundational knowledge and industry recognized skills, and quickly transition into employment that provides meaningful work, family-sustaining wages, and career growth. View Employer Partners.

To learn more, view the Apprenticeship Overview and contact apprenticeship@massbioed.org.

2024 Recruitment Details

We are now recruiting work-ready adults who are eager to begin a new career in the life sciences industry. Please complete the statement of interest form below and you will be invited to attend an information session, after submitting the form. Attendance at the information session is mandatory to continue the application process. Please read the candidate profile and training program information below.

Candidate Profile:

• Previous scientific background is NOT required.
• Women, underrepresented Persons of Color (POC), veterans, and people who are unemployed or underemployed are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must:

• Be 18+ years of age and a high-school graduate or equivalent.
• Be a Massachusetts resident and able to show proof of being legally able to work in the U.S.
• Be able to show proof of having been vaccinated against COVID-19.
• Have reliable transportation to training and employer site.
• Be able to show proof of income or unemployment (pay stub or UI check).
• Be willing to submit to a CORI/SORI check, and possibly drug testing.
• Have access to a computer and WiFi connection.

Training Program:

If you are interested in the Biomanufacturing Technician or Laboratory Support Specialist Apprenticeship Programs, please complete a Statement of Interest Form and you will be invited to attend an information session. We are not recruiting for Clinical Trial Associate Apprentices at this time.

Biomanufacturing Technician Apprenticeship:

Our next Greater Boston Biomanufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Program cohort will start in Spring 2025. Our next Central MA Biomanufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Program cohort will start in July 2025. Please check back for more updates on program start dates.

• The Program is FREE to apprentices and includes a monthly stipend while in class, along with generous wages and benefits during the year of on-the-job training.
• Training is 15 weeks long and includes 8 weeks of MassBioEd online classes followed by 7 weeks of in-person lab training in masks/PPE.
• Technical training will be provided by Northeastern University in Burlington, MA (for Greater Boston Cohorts) or Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Worcester, MA (for Central MA Cohorts).

Laboratory Support Specialist:

Please check back for more updates on program start dates.

• The Program is FREE to apprentices and includes a one-time stipend payment while in class, along with generous wages and benefits during the on-the-job training.
• Training is 9 weeks long with classes meeting part-time each weekday.
• Technical training will be provided by Northeastern University in Boston, MA or Burlington, MA.

The opportunity to participate in this life-changing, life-science apprenticeship came at the height of the pandemic. I had wanted to do something different, something more fulfilling, for a while, and when my sister forwarded me the email from MassBioEd inviting applicants, I knew this was it! The concept that people could be entry-level trained for the biotech field without a degree was such a novel idea, a beautiful one at that! My life has been changed so drastically in wonderful ways! I’m learning so many new things and I see myself advancing from CTA to project manager and beyond!

Heather Fernald, Clinical Trial Associate, Covis Pharma US | 2021 MassBioEd Apprentice

The Life Sciences Apprenticeship Program is funded by a grant award totaling 16% ($915,653) from the U.S. Department of Labor, with 84% or $5,864,660 financed from non-federal sources.