QA/QC Workforce Training Program
School of Professional StudiesLocation: Worcester | Length: 8 Weeks | Program Start Date: September 28, 2026
Building a Skilled Life Sciences Quality Workforce Through Hands-On Training
Quality excellence serves as the backbone of the booming life sciences industry in central Massachusetts, yet employers face a critical shortage of skilled personnel available to meet this growing demand. Developed in partnership with the Massachusetts Biomedical Initiative (MBI) and built directly from employer feedback, this program bridges this gap.
Our hands-on curriculum equips participants with the essential skills of Quality Assurance and Quality Control. Active learning with industry-equipment and systems to learn SOPs, good documentation practices, and sign-off procedures prepares students for the technical knowledge employers demand and reflects industry standards. Designed for highly motivated individuals ready to pivot into the life sciences, this program breaks the cycle of needing experience to get experience.
Apply
Applications for the September 2026 cohort open on May 1, 2026. Space is limited, and we expect strong demand. Early applicants are encouraged.
If you have questions about eligibility or the program, contact us at professionalstudies@mcphs.edu.
Program Details
- Program Length: 8 Weeks
- Schedule: In-person Monday through Thursday, 9:30am-3:30pm
- Location: MCPHS Worcester campus
The program blends hands-on laboratory experience, science instruction, and real-time career preparation to give participants the training and confidence necessary to secure and succeed in entry-level QA/QC roles. The schedule integrates site visits, guest speakers, interview practice with industry partners, and a Career Fair with networking opportunities.
Accepted participants will receive a stipend, paid periodically over the eight-week period.
Program Roadmap
- Combine interactive lectures with daily skills labs to master the most critical competencies for entry-level life science roles
The program begins with a strong foundation focused on Good Documentation Practices and data integrity, including hands-on practice with professional lab tools such as analytical balances and pH meters. - Learn to document every step of production like a quality professional
Participants progress to executing batch records, performing standardized QC testing, and comparing results against strict industry specifications, learning to document every step of production with the precision and accuracy of a quality professional. - Participants become investigative problem-solvers using structured frameworks to find the root cause of mistakes and propose Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs) to prevent repetition.
- Technical training complemented by professional development
Participants develop personal storytelling skills, practice interview techniques, and engage in a targeted job search, culminating in an action plan to support the transition from the classroom to the workforce.
Partner With Us
The QA/QC Workforce Training Program is built on direct employer involvement throughout the length of the program and beyond. We are actively seeking life sciences employers and industry professionals interested in engaging with our cohorts to help shape the next generation of QA/QC talent in Massachusetts.
Employers
Whether you are looking to hire, connect with emerging talent early, or give back to the workforce pipeline your industry needs, there are several ways to get involved:
- Recruit graduates directly by participating in our Career Fair, held during the final weeks of the program, where you will meet candidates who have completed full lifestyle simulations and are ready to contribute on their first day
- Host a site visit and give participants a firsthand look at a regulated manufacturing environment
- Speak as a guest and share your career path, your team’s hiring priorities, or what separates a strong QA/QC candidate from the rest
Volunteers
Industry professionals who want to support workforce development without a long-term commitment are welcome to participate as mock interview volunteers. Each cohort includes structured one-on-one interview practice sessions where participants receive real-time feedback from working professionals in the field. The commitment is only a couple of hours and has a direct impact on candidate confidence and readiness.
Get in touch
To explore any of these opportunities, contact us at professionalstudies@mcphs.edu. We will follow up to discuss how your involvement can be structured around your availability and goals.
- Explain the purpose of Good Manufacturing Practices and regulatory oversight
- Operate essential analytical tools such as balances, pipettes, pH meters, etc., while maintaining standardized documentation
- Apply frameworks to ensure all records are attributable, legible, contemporaneous, original, and accurate
- Perform independent clean room gowning and follow strict entry, exit, and behavioral protocols to prevent contamination
- Execute and verify complex Batch Records, ensuring every production step is documented and cross-checked according to industry standards
- Perform standardized testing on products and materials, comparing results against established specifications to make documented pass/fail determinations
- Initiate deviation reports and conduct root cause analysis using frameworks to propose effective Corrective and Preventive Actions
- Articulate technical skills clearly in a professional interview setting and execute a strategic action plan for career placement
This program is designed for highly motivated individuals who want to enter the life sciences industry by mastering the technical and compliance skills that employers value most.
High school graduates
Continue your education with a focused, non-degree program designed to prepare you for technical careers in the life sciences.
Career changers
Leverage your existing work experience to transition into the biomanufacturing sector: gain practical skills in lab safety, operations, and industry-standard documentation, while learning how your transferrable skills apply to this specialized industry.
Individuals ready to break the experience gap
Overcome the barrier of needing experience to get hired by completing a full simulation of the manufacturing process and entering interviews confident in your technical knowledge.
Problem-solvers from adjacent industries such as retail, food, and healthcare
Apply your attention to detail to a specialized environment, learning how to spot mistakes, find their root causes, and propose solutions to ensure product integrity.
Motivated workers focused on immediate hiring
Prepare for qualified roles in QA/QC through intensive interview coaching, resume building, and direct networking with central Massachusetts employers actively hiring.
- Week 1: Regulatory Landscape, Biotech Overview, Quality Systems, & Laboratory Safety
- Week 2: Facilities, Cleanrooms, Gowning, & Advanced PPE Controls
- Week 3: Manufacturing Execution Deep Dive (Part 1)
- Week 4: Manufacturing Execution Deep Dive (Part 2)
- Week 5: QC Testing & Laboratory Controls
- Week 6: Environmental & Personnel Monitoring
- Week 7: Batch Review, Deviation, CAPA, & Inspection Readiness
- Week 8: Integration & Professional Readiness
Delasie Dela-Seshie Jr.
The program is led by Delasie Dela-Seshie Jr., a biomanufacturing professional and adjunct faculty member at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. He brings extensive expertise from the industry and develops the curriculum with employer and industry needs at the forefront.