State of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Workforce in Indiana

Indiana is experiencing significant statewide growth in pharmaceutical manufacturing, but this boom in high-quality, high-paying jobs is challenged by a shortage of qualified workers. BioCrossroads, in partnership with Ascend Indiana, convened pharmaceutical manufacturers, postsecondary education institutions, and state officials to explore how to develop a robust talent pipeline to support continued growth.

Attendees identified the types of positions that are most in-demand for their companies, the associated knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) for each role, and the challenges involved in filling open positions and retaining employees. They discussed desired outcomes and urged the industry, educators, and state government to focus on strategies to build career awareness, develop training pathways, overcome stigmas about the pharmaceutical industry, and make Indiana an attractive place to live and work.