A skill set to support the pharmaceutical industry in their urgent response to the COVID-19 health crisis is now available for training delivery.

Pharmaceutical companies are playing a key role in the COVID-19 pandemic by developing potential tests, treatments and vaccines. It is important manufacturers are equipped with all the expertise they may require, including the unique skills to produce and distribute life-saving and enhancing medical treatments.

The Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Operator Induction Skill Set describes the foundation skills and knowledge required by workers entering the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, especially those employed to work with bioprocessed products, such as vaccines and antibody testing devices.

The skill set was developed by industry experts, in a process supported by the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Industry Reference Committee and managed by Skills Impact.

It was developed in response to the Critical Skills for Recovery initiative, driven by the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) and the AISC Emergency Response Sub-Committee, and was approved by the Sub‑Committee on 16 September 2020.

The skill set will help support displaced workers to gain new skills and build on existing skills and will also help businesses to take advantage of opportunities that exist now and into the future.

It is included on the JobTrainer Fund list and the fee for registered training providers putting it on scope will be waived.

This work is part of the AISC’s efforts to ensure Australia’s national training system is well positioned to address the workforce challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic downturn.

Any industry players who believe there are additional resources that could be developed to support training in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector are encourage to contact Skills Impact.