When John Ferrando enrolled in Butler Tech’s Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) Fundamentals training program, he was searching for an opportunity to launch a meaningful career. With no prior experience in biomanufacturing or the pharmaceutical industry, he stepped into the program unsure of what to expect. What he discovered was a transformative pathway into the region’s expanding life sciences and biopharma workforce.
John first learned about the program in the Journal-News and told his wife he had to take this course. “I was looking for a new opportunity to grow and do something with purpose,” he said.
That opportunity arrived quickly.
Within weeks of completing the program, John was selected for an interview with Resilience, a technology-focused biomanufacturing company with a location in West Chester, Ohio. He earned the position and is now completing onboarding and training.
John credits the hands-on cleanroom training at Butler Tech for preparing him with the foundational knowledge and career readiness that helped him stand out in the hiring process.
Butler Tech instructor Matt Kreate, a seasoned industry professional with decades of biopharma experience, had a significant impact on John’s learning. Under Matt’s instruction, students practiced gowning, studied cleanroom behavior, followed documentation and standard operating procedures, and learned the regulated workflows required in pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturing environments.
John’s journey illustrates what becomes possible when workforce specialists and education providers align training to a growing regional industry. It changes career trajectories—and the futures of families supported by these careers.
Ohio Life Sciences continues to champion the expansion of the life sciences sector and the development of Ohio’s talent pipeline, with Butler Tech serving as a committed training partner in Southwest Ohio.
Angie McMurry, Director of Industry Engagement and Workforce at Ohio Life Sciences Association, said the impact of this work is already clear.
“Ohio Life Sciences is incredibly proud of this cohort’s success and thrilled to partner with Butler Tech on such impactful workforce training. John’s journey is exactly why these programs matter—when individuals are given high-quality, hands-on preparation, they’re able to step confidently into meaningful careers. We’re excited to see this momentum grow across Southwest Ohio,” McMurry said.
The cGMP Fundamentals training program, developed in collaboration with Ohio Life Sciences, Resilience, JobsOhio, and Precision Environments, exemplifies how Ohio is implementing new initiatives to meet the growing demand for biotechnology talent.
“Since launching in August 2025, the cGMP Fundamentals training program is already proving its value with graduates accepting roles at Resilience weeks after graduation,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “Butler Tech is helping to accelerate the growth of the talent pipeline in the life sciences industry with even more career placements expected when the Spring 2026 cohort graduates.”
The cGMP course is offered two nights a week, 6-9pm, over eight weeks. Spring 2026 classes are available tuition-free. Custom group trainings are available upon request. Learn more.