Workforce Wins: Creating New Pipelines With Amgen

Challenge: In 2021, Amgen, a global biotechnology company, announced plans to expand its U.S.-based manufacturing footprint by building a final product advanced assembly and packaging plant in Central Ohio. The new, state-of-the-art facility required specialized talent—individuals with expertise in GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and experience working in a tightly regulated environment. This expertise represented one part of their hiring needs and would be crucial in accelerating Amgen’s time to market, ensuring that production could start as quickly as possible.

Solution: Amgen partnered with JobsOhio, Ohio’s private economic development corporation, to develop a holistic talent strategy, a portion of which was dedicated to tackling this specific talent challenge. JobsOhio’s in-house team of talent experts collaborated with private subject matter experts, state partners, and education partners to develop a solution: a workforce development program was created in an expedited 12-month period. The program not only helped provide the skilled workforce needed to accelerate the company’s production timelines, but it also provided a new employer branding opportunity for the company. The new branding positioned Amgen prominently in a market it had not previously tapped into.

Lasting Impact: The new workforce development curriculum was a catalyst for creating the inaugural Amgen Ohio manufacturing apprenticeship program, which provides a sustainable pathway for skill development. The apprenticeship program runs in collaboration with a local OhioMeansJobs Center. This initiative opened the door to more opportunities for Amgen by aligning hands-on training with industry needs. Job seekers continue to benefit from the program with a seamless introduction to Amgen through the GMP course, which can transition into additional career opportunities with the apprenticeship program.

Ready to tap into Ohio’s workforce and grow your business? Let’s do it together. Take the first step by contacting JobsOhio’s talent experts at JobsOhio.com/ContactTalent.