Roundtable Highlights: Addressing Australia’s Biomanufacturing Talent Shortage

The Biologics Innovation Facility (BIF) recently hosted a roundtable with key members of NSW’s biomanufacturing ecosystem, including those from industry, research, government, and higher education. Co-organized with KE Select, the event focused on the challenges of talent acquisition and workforce development in this rapidly growing industry.

Industry leaders stressed that the global demand for skilled professionals in hands-on biomanufacturing under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions is making it increasingly difficult to recruit talent for Australia’s expanding biomanufacturing sector, where thousands of new jobs are projected.

We may have individuals with science backgrounds, but they often lack the specialized practical skills needed in biomanufacturing, like operating large bioreactors. We must quickly train people to work with the industrial equipment found on production lines.

– Industry veteran.

New entrants to the biomanufacturing industry can take up to six months to become fully trained on large, complex equipment and specialized bioprocessing workflows. Moreover, pausing production for on-site training is not always feasible for some companies due to tight budgets and production schedules. The high cost of biopharmaceutical products can also contribute to stress and burnout, as employees are continually immersed in demanding work environments. The pressure to "get it right every time" in biomanufacturing exacerbates workforce challenges.

We need people with more on-the-ground training. The theory taught in universities provides a good background, but it is no match for hands-on experience in a GMP environment. – BioPharma Production Lead

The roundtable unanimously agreed that increased government and industry investment is essential to develop and upskill talent. Education and training at all levels, from VET certificates to universities degrees, must align more closely with industry’s needs to develop the right skillsets. Additionally, raising awareness about job opportunities and career pathways is crucial for attracting school leavers to the sector.