Ohio Life Sciences (OLS) is proud to announce our investment in Butler Tech’s new Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) Fundamentals program, designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in biomanufacturing and the broader life sciences industry.
This free eight-week course will provide students with training in FDA regulations, pharmaceutical product manufacturing, cleanroom processes, and industry-standard lab equipment. By expanding access to this specialized training, we are helping build a stronger talent pipeline to meet the growing workforce needs of life sciences companies across Ohio.
Investing in Talent, Investing in Ohio
OLS has committed $235,000 to help Butler Tech launch the program, providing funding for classroom furnishings, safety equipment, PPE, and lab essentials needed for certification. In addition, OLS member Precision Environments generously donated cleanroom supplies and installation services, giving students hands-on training in a space that mirrors real-world industry standards.
“Ohio has become an attractive destination for new biopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities and now we must ensure we develop a strong statewide workforce to satisfy the talent needs of this growing sector so we can remain attractive and compete with other states who are making big investments directly into biotech,” said Eddie Pauline, president and CEO of Ohio Life Sciences. “Our investment in Butler Tech is part of a larger strategy to build out a statewide network of educational partners who can deliver cGMP certifications and other bio-related trainings to ensure more Ohioans can find good-paying jobs in a growing industry that saves lives throughout the world.”
Celebrating the Launch
Last night, Butler Tech hosted an open house to showcase the new program, bringing together students, educators, and industry partners. Guests toured the state-of-the-art training facility, including the mock cleanroom built by Precision Environments, which will be central to the hands-on learning experience.
OLS is grateful to the Precision Environments team for building a mock cleanroom, giving students an authentic, hands-on learning experience as they prepare for careers in this vital industry.
Precision Environments’ president, Tim Vonderhaar, who grew up in Middletown, described the project as a way to give back to the community while helping grow Ohio’s life sciences ecosystem.
At the open house, OLS team members were excited to see students and industry partners come together, exploring the facility and witnessing firsthand the impact of programs like this in creating career pathways and supporting regional workforce development.
Building the Future Together
In its first year, the cGMP Fundamentals program will train up to 100 students, with the ability to scale as interest grows. Butler Tech is only the second institution in Ohio to offer this specialized training, making it a model for how education and industry collaboration can accelerate workforce readiness.
At Ohio Life Sciences, we are proud to champion programs like this one that connect students to meaningful career opportunities, provide companies with the skilled talent they need, and strengthen Ohio’s position as a national leader in the life sciences.
If you are interested, or know someone who may be, the next session is set to start on October 13. Learn more and register here: Butler Tech cGMP Fundamentals Program
