Hands-on Bootcamp Supports a Growing Biomanufacturing Workforce

In June, CPE successfully kicked off its first offering of the Cell and Gene Therapy Manufacturing Bootcamp, an intensive, capstone experience designed to give students hands-on training and exposure to careers in biomanufacturing. Students engaged in the entire end-to-end manufacturing workflow and gained vital skills using industry standard equipment.

The bootcamp took place at Solano Community College with instruction provided by Cytiva, a global provider of life sciences technologies and services. “This bootcamp is a great example of a successful public-private collaboration between UC Davis, Cytiva and Solano Community College,” said Jen Greenier, director of Life Sciences Workforce Training Collaborative at CPE. “We received very positive student feedback and were gratified to learn that the bootcamp provided valuable training to participants who are new to the field as well as to seasoned industry professionals. We are looking forward to continuing to meet the need for training in this emerging field to the Sacramento region and beyond.”

View photos from the Bootcamp

See some of the hands-on lab training students participated in during this capstone experience.

This pilot of the Cell and Gene Therapy Manufacturing Bootcamp was funded by a grant from the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL). The grant also enabled CPE to establish a BIPOC-focused scholarship program for students interested in pursuing careers in the life sciences industry. Four students were selected to participate in the June bootcamp, three of whom were placed in summer internship programs. “We hope to recruit more industry partners to provide internship opportunities to the NIIMBL scholars in upcoming bootcamp sessions,” said Greenier.

Learn more about the Cell and Gene Therapy Manufacturing Specialization, which includes four online courses and the option to participate in the in-person bootcamp.