Oregon Bio has developed BioPro, a comprehensive workforce training program. BioPro is targeted at the workforce development needs of companies and research institutions in biotechnology, medical devices, diagnostic tools and related technologies.
The goal of BioPro is to raise the knowledge and efficiency of our local and regional bioscience workforce, thereby improving the competitiveness of our industry. A more highly-skilled bioscience workforce makes a positive impact on company operations and competitiveness. While enriching the Oregon workforce in general, BioPro training also improves employee recruitment, strengthens managerial capacity, grows economic development capacity, and increases production output and grows wages. Both Oregon Bio member and non-member companies are eligible to participate in the training.
Oregon Bio uses a formal steering committee made up of human resources and quality management experts from member companies. The committee guides Oregon Bio in selecting courses and instructors that will have the most value to industry companies and their workforce development needs. Current steering committee members include representatives from HemCon, Genentech, iSense, Controltek, Welch Allyn, Biotronik, Precision Wire Components, A-dec, Bioanalytical (BASi), Znomics and Inovise.
The following courses are a sampling of our offerings:
- Food and Drug Administration Regulatory Overview
- Quality System Regulations (QSR) Management
- QSR Inspection Techniques
- QSR Corrective and Preventive Actions
- QSR Records, Documents, Change Control and Standard Operating Procedures
- QSR Production and Process Control
- Lean Principles, 5S and Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
- Statistics for the Life Sciences
- Technical Writing
- Communication and Negotiation Techniques for Employees
- Communication and Negotiation Techniques for Managers
- Planning and Time Management for Supervisors
- Team Building
- Project Management
Most classes are four hours in length, enabling employees to work a half day.
The training curriculum is based on standardized, industry-accepted curriculum and FDA requirements related to the medical device and pharmaceutical industries.
Classes result in an Oregon Bio certification. The curriculum and class logistics are also evaluated by students, employers, and steering committee members to ensure continuous improvement in each offering as needed.
For more information about BioPro classes or how to join the Steering Committee, please contact Dan Hill at dan@oregonbio.org.