#United States #Pharmaceutical Manufacturing #J. Sargeant Reynolds #Richmond-Petersburg

Major Federal Grant to Enhance Pharma and Biotech Workforce in Richmond-Petersburg

In a significant development for the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors in Virginia, the Alliance for Building Better Medicine has successfully secured a $3.94 million federal grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA). This funding, awarded through the Good Jobs Challenge, aims to bolster the workforce in the Richmond-Petersburg region by training 228 individuals for technician-level positions in the advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing (APM) field.

A Collaborative Effort for Economic Revitalization

Under the leadership of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, the initiative represents a collaborative effort that includes various partners such as the Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA), industry leaders like Civica, Phlow, and Haleon, and local community colleges. The APM Workforce Initiative aims to not only educate and train individuals but also to reshape the economic landscape of the area.

This initiative aligns with national priorities focused on reshoring pharmaceutical manufacturing, addressing ongoing drug shortages, and strengthening the U.S. supply chain for essential medicines. The Richmond-Petersburg area's recognition as a designated Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Tech Hub underscores the strategic importance of this funding.

Key Components of the Initiative

The Good Jobs Challenge initiative includes several critical components designed to develop a comprehensive workforce system:

• - Workforce Sectoral Partnership Intermediary: Establishing an organization to coordinate activities among key partners.
• - Labor Market Intelligence: Using labor market insights to inform recruitment and training strategies, ensuring that the workforce aligns with industry needs.
• - Comprehensive Training Programs: Providing two associate degrees, a career studies certificate, and non-credit credential programs, combined with hands-on internships and on-the-job training.
• - Equity-Focused Recruitment: Prioritizing recruitment from underserved populations, including low-income individuals, women, and veterans, while also offering essential support services such as childcare, transportation, and tuition assistance.

Building a Vision for Growth

Virginia's Governor, Glenn Youngkin, praised the grant as a significant milestone in the state's mission to establish Petersburg as a global hub for advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing. He emphasized that the investment in workforce development is vital for innovation and economic growth in the region.

Moreover, John Milton-Benoit, CEO of the Coalition for Advanced Manufacturing, highlighted that this achievement manifests the power of collaboration. The efforts of the Alliance’s Workforce Working Group, chiefly led by Reynolds and CCWA, have been instrumental in translating a shared vision into reality.

Impact on the Community

Both city leaders, including Richmond's Mayor Dr. Danny Avula and Petersburg's Mayor Sam Parham, underscored the importance of enhancing the pharmaceutical workforce to ensure a robust supply chain for medicines. Mayor Avula pointed out the healthcare implications of this initiative, advocating for better access to essential drugs, especially in light of the ongoing challenges in public health.

Petersburg is now home to several advanced pharmaceutical companies, and Mayor Parham expressed optimism that increased training programs will empower the local workforce, potentially attracting more businesses to the region.

Industry Insights

The industry perspective is echoed by Ned McCoy, President of Civica, who noted that Virginia's robust talent pool is setting a national benchmark in workforce development. Civica has already committed to hire over 140 new employees in the Petersburg area in 2024, with plans for similar growth in 2025.

Conclusion

This transformative grant represents a pivotal moment for the Richmond-Petersburg region. With a focus on enhancing skills and addressing labor market needs, it not only promises to improve job prospects for individuals but also plays a critical role in reshoring pharmaceutical production and ensuring the resilience of the U.S. healthcare system. As this initiative progresses, it is set to impact the community positively, opening doors to new opportunities in the growing fields of advanced pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.