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The Biomanufacturing Program at Salt Lake Community College

The Biomanufacturing Program provides specific and focused training for entry-to mid-level positions at companies that manufacture biotechnological products. Examples of such products are biofuels, dietary supplements, medical devices, pharmaceuticals and proteins or organic compounds purified from cells. The manufacturing processes for these products are typically very technical in nature.

Through a hands-on approach, students will learn industry-specific skills necessary to be a proficient worker right from the start. A few examples of the skills taught through this program are:

  • Production processes and procedures
  • Safety
  • Quality systems and management
  • Federal and international regulations
  • Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
  • Good documentation practices
  • Good manufacturing practices (GMP)A

Additionally, students will learn critical soft skills such as:

  • Effective communication
  • Effective team working/building, especially with coworkers in other groups or departments
  • Problem solving
  • Leadership

How does this program differ from Biotechnology at SLCC?

SLCC's Biotechnology Technician Program (BTP), a nationally recognized biotechnology training program, provides training for entry-level positions in research and development labs. The BTP ranks among top programs in the nation, along with the recognized biotechnology training centers in California, New England, and North Carolina.

Through research and development, an idea for a biotechnological product can be tested and optimized. Once this has been accomplished, the product can be manufactured. The Biomanufacturing Program trains workers that are responsible for the manufacturing of such products, and so the two programs complement each other.

How does this program compare to others around the U.S.?

The Biomanufacturing Program is a unique career and technical education program in Utah aimed at training high school and college students for entry-to mid-level production worker positions in the biotechnology industry. It prepares students for immediate hands-on work in critical, high-impact industries in a way no other general manufacturing training program can. One of the Program's most exciting feature is its many project-based learning and internship opportunities, which are tightly interwoven into the programs's structure and enhance the regular course work.

Several biomanufacturing programs are offered at other community/technical colleges across the nation, especially those colleges tied to biotechnology training centers such as those in California, New England, and North Carolina. What makes SLCC's program special is an innovative partnership with start-up biotech companies housed within the training facility. These start-up companies will contribute to the students learning by providing services such as instruction, guest lectures, and potential internship opportunities.

The Program Track

Faculty and staff credentials

Vivian Ngan-Winward, Director and Instructor: Vivian has over 20 years of research experience, with the last 8 years spent in the biotech industry just prior to joining SLCC.  Her most recent industry position was lead scientist for Idaho Technology Inc's Regulatory Affairs group, for which she was responsible for directing and reporting on pre-clinical studies that led to FDA clearance of multiple PCR-based organism detection kits.  Her experience with good manufacturing practices, quality systems, federal regulations, and production processes and procedures is an asset to the program.

Adjunct faculty, with relevant industry experience, will also be teaching for the program.

Facilities & Equipment

In 2007, SLCC partnered with the Granite School District (GSD). Together, they applied for and were awarded a $2 million Department of Labor Community-Based Job Training Grant. This grant along with contributions by GSD and by the Department of Labor's Workforce Innovations in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) initiative have funded the creation of a state-of-the-art instructional facility which includes multiple PC computer labs; a computer-aided design (CAD) lab; an engineering shop with 3-D printers and an injection molder; plentiful high-end laboratory/ manufacturing space; a fully functional, 400-square foot Class 10,000 clean room; and modern equipment for the manufacture of many different kinds of biotechnological products.

Contact Information

Biomanufacturing Program: 801.957.6450  bioman@slcc.edu

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