Left to right: Delilah Smith, Apprenticeship USA-NH Hub Developer, Community College System of NH; Lynn Szymanski, director of workforce development, Great Bay Community College (GBCC); Deb Audino, professor of biotechnology, GBCC; Dr. Cheryl Lesser, president, GBCC; and Alex Hackathorn, Lonza senior aseptic training specialist in cell and gene therapy manufacturing. (Courtesy of GBCC)
ApprenticeshipNH, the workforce training program of the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH), is collaborating with Lonza on a new apprenticeship program at its Portsmouth facility. Working with Great Bay Community College (GBCC), ApprenticeshipNH is working alongside Lonza and the Office of Apprenticeship to create a one-year registered apprenticeship program (RAP) that combines paid, on-the-job training at Lonza with eight weeks of related instruction at GBCC’s Portsmouth campus.
As of February 2025, GBCC now offers a customized biomanufacturing education program for Lonza apprentices.
“Lonza was familiar with our outstanding biotechnology certificate and associate degree programs, and knew that we were right around the corner from its Portsmouth site. Combining resources for a biomanufacturing technician apprenticeship program offered a powerful means of training Lonza’s future workforce while preparing students for careers in a fast-growing field,” said Dr. Cheryl Lesser, GBCC president.
Lonza’s site in Portsmouth is building strong capabilities in the rapidly growing field of cell and gene therapies. Manufacturing such therapies requires a unique skill set and training. In 2024, the company began working with ApprenticeshipNH to develop a program to support the development of its future workforce in these areas.
“This new apprenticeship program aims to equip the next generation of graduates and professionals in New Hampshire with the critical skills needed to excel in biomanufacturing, driving innovation and supporting the delivery of life-changing therapies,” said Christophe Royer, site head at the Lonza site in Portsmouth.
GBCC and Lonza anticipate training four cohorts totaling approximately 50 apprentices in 2025. Ongoing competency tests ensure that apprentices who complete the program have the skills necessary to become valued members of Lonza’s workforce.
Deb Audino, professor of biotechnology at GBCC, explained that “GBCC’s biotechnology program has a longstanding commitment to prepare students for a career at Lonza. This apprenticeship program is an additional, faster-track option for those who want to start their career to help improve and even save people’s lives.”
Lonza encourages individuals over the age of 18 with a passion to help people, curiosity to learn and the ability to follow detailed procedures to apply to the apprenticeship program. A scientific background is not required. People who have worked in the food and electronic industries, for example, often make excellent candidates due to their experience in working within structured guidelines and maintaining good attention to detail.
“It doesn’t get more rewarding than making therapies that could save people’s lives. If you want to help people and get a start in the growing health sciences field, the Lonza apprenticeship is an incredible opportunity,” said Delilah Smith, the ApprenticeshipNH program developer for Lonza’s RAP.
