Events
College Launches BioMechatronics Apprenticeship
Program Is First Of Its Kind in U.S.
Photo Gallery
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Officials speak during a ceremony marking the launch of Wake Tech's biomechantronics apprenticeship program. -
Two Wake Tech students who will serve as biomechatronics apprentices at Fulifilm Biotechnologies pose for a photo during a ceremony marking the launch of the apprenticeship program. -
Students demonstrate their knowledge during a ceremony marking the launch of Wake Tech's biomechantronics apprenticeship program. -
Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls speaks during a ceremony marking the launch of the college's biomechantronics apprenticeship program. -
North Carolina Biotechnology Center Vice President Dr. Laura Rowley speaks during a ceremony marking the launch of Wake Tech's biomechantronics apprenticeship program. -
Students and officials attend a ceremony marking the launch of Wake Tech's biomechantronics apprenticeship program. -
Students and officials pose for a photo following a ceremony marking the launch of Wake Tech's biomechantronics apprenticeship program.
RALEIGH, N.C. (July 28, 2025) – Wake Tech is excited to launch a distinctive apprenticeship program in partnership with life sciences leaders CSL Seqirus, FUJIFILM Biotechnologies and Eli Lilly and Company. The eight-month biomechatronics training program will prepare advanced maintenance technicians for high-demand careers at their facilities.
In the past two years, the Research Triangle region has experienced significant growth in the biopharmaceutical sector, with multiple companies announcing major expansions and creating jobs. Supported by the North Carolina Life Sciences Apprenticeship Consortium, the biomechatronics training is the first of its kind in the nation.
The program kicked off Monday with a signing ceremony at Wake Tech's Beltline Education Center. Wake Tech leaders, industry partners and community college representatives celebrated with the inaugural cohort of nine apprentices and their families.
"This workforce development program is an example of how community colleges can be nimble and design training that meets the immediate needs of biotechnology industries that are growing significantly in our region," said Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls. "Our life sciences industry partners need quick training to onboard in-demand technicians in their biopharma facilities, and this program provides that."
The apprentices are:
- CSL SEQIRUS
- Connor Bowersox
- Cody Mercer
- FUJIFILM BIOTECHNOLOGIES
- Sean Burgher
- Daniel Preheim
- ELI LILLY
- Emily Davis
- Brendon Edgerton
- Matthew Kennedy
- Judah Naiman
- Corey Winston
The apprentices will take accelerated non-degree courses at the Beltline Education Center to equip them to be skilled maintenance technicians in biopharma facilities. They'll strengthen their knowledge in mechanical and electrical engineering, motor controls, pneumatics, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) used for industrial automation to prepare them to maintain and repair smart pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing equipment and ensure it operates safely.
As part of the program, the apprentices will earn Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) industry certifications in four areas: electrical systems, pneumatic systems, PLCs and mechanical power systems. The apprentices will receive additional industry training in smart manufacturing, troubleshooting, aseptic processing, current Good Manufacturing Practices, writing and reviewing standard operating procedures and cleanroom gowning. They'll also receive customized training in workplace safety and health, CPR and first aid.
After eight months, they will transition to full-time, on-the-job training at either CSL Seqirus, FUJIFILM Biotechnologies or Eli Lilly. Apprentices are paid a salary starting on Day One.
Dr. Laura Rowley, vice president of Life Sciences Economic Development with the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, applauded the collaborative spirit of the new apprenticeship program.
"The commitment of three leading life sciences employers to provide on-the-job training and leverage the capabilities of our community colleges to create career pathways for North Carolinians to grow in the industry is worthy of celebration," Rowley said. "We're thrilled to welcome the inaugural biomechantronics apprenticeship cohort to our North Carolina life sciences community."
Neighboring Durham Tech is a community college partner for the training, which is a continuation of RTP Bio, a collaboration between Wake Tech and Durham Tech to address workforce training needs of regional biotech employers.
This type of training will also take place in Wendell next year, when Wake Tech college opens its state-of-the-art Advanced Technology Center at Wake Tech East.
Meanwhile, the college continues to expand its apprenticeship program, supported by Wake County's WakeWorks® initiative. The college currently has nearly 500 apprentices working at one of more than 150 companies around the Triangle. In 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor recognized Wake Tech as an "Apprenticeship Ambassador" for the college's work to provide apprenticeship opportunities. To learn more, visit apprenticeship.waketech.edu.
