Partnering with Spokane Community College to Build a Biomanufacturing Certification Program

Interview with Tyler Wolf, Senior Manufacturing Resource Manager at Jubilant HollisterStier 

Tyler: We have partnered with SCC to launch a program, an introduction to biomanufacturing. We’re really excited to partner industry and education with each other because it shows what we can do when we work together. Jubilant HollisterStier has been around for a hundred years, so it’s really exciting to give back to the community.  

Question: Why is it so important to get students, especially at local community colleges, interested in a field like this?  

Tyler: The last several years we’ve focused on how we can give back to the community, and I think this program is one of those things. It’s a great introduction to the life sciences field, and it is a growing industry. We’re currently doing our line three and line four expansion at JHS, so we’re looking to expand our team quite a bit. This partnership with SCC can help us do that. What better way to get qualified candidates than to assist in their learning?  

Question: How have you all created this curriculum?  

Tyler: We partnered with professors at SCC. We did some tours early on to lay the groundwork of what the program would look like, we went through current good manufacturing practices (cGMPs) and good documentation practices, and we put together a curriculum that really covers the foundation of everything that we do.  

Question: Could you describe a little more about what JHS does?  

Tyler: We are a contract manufacturer in the pharmaceutical space producing sterile injectables, vaccines, and other medications.   

Question: Why should people consider working at JHS? 

Tyler: We’re not just looking to create jobs. We want to create careers. Starting here can be a great foundation for growing your life and career in Spokane. We offer competitive wage packages and benefits. Once people complete the course successfully, they are guaranteed an interview for an internship. This program will also prepare students for other careers in manufacturing as well, so there’s multiple options for them.