Future-Proof Your Biopharma Career: NIBRT Training and Qualifications to Help You Thrive

The Growing Need for Skilled Biopharma Professionals

Biopharmaceutical processing is a rapidly growing sector within the life-sciences industry, offering immense opportunities for employees. As the industry embraces manufacturing process innovations, digitalisation strategies, and artificial intelligence tools, the need for an agile, adaptable, and highly skilled workforce has never been greater. For anyone working in the sector, continuous professional development is vital for career advancement and success.

Industry employers now seek professionals who can combine a solid grounding in GMP with the agility to master new technologies and standardised approaches. Competence in upstream and downstream processing, Annex 1 compliance, and cleanroom behaviour is as important as an understanding of data analytics, digitalised quality systems, and advanced analytical techniques. Continuous upskilling keeps employees competitive and opens doors to new opportunities in an ever-changing environment.

NIBRT Training and Education Programmes

NIBRT’s training and education programmes are designed to support individuals who want to upskill for career advancement. They provide a comprehensive understanding of the key scientific and engineering challenges involved in the manufacture of biotechnology-based products. Graduates gain targeted expertise and develop the practical skills needed to excel in the diverse roles driving this sector’s growth.

“Over the years, I have completed multiple courses through NIBRT & ATU Sligo, and each experience has been consistently positive and enriching… The courses themselves are well-designed, engaging, and relevant to industry needs, making them highly applicable to my role as a Process Specialist.”
— Ross Slevin, NIBRT/ATU Sligo graduate

Flexible Learning Options to Suit Every Career Stage

NIBRT offers a broad range of biopharmaceutical training options to suit the various learning requirements of individuals. In partnership with Irish universities, we offer accredited programmes at certificate, degree, and master’s levels, with funding available for some through Springboard+ and other initiatives. These programmes cover key areas such as biopharmaceutical manufacturing, commissioning, validation, data and digital technologies, and advanced therapeutics, helping individuals enhance their skills in these critical fields. Many of these programmes are available both online and part-time, making it easy for career-changers or professionals to build in-demand skills without stepping away from employment.

We also offer a range of on-demand E-lessons through the NIBRT Online Academy (NOA). These pre-recorded modules allow learners to participate at their own pace and convenience and are ideal for those looking to get an introduction to biopharmaceutical manufacturing operations.

For those looking for hands-on training, NIBRT’s specialist courses, customised training and short courses provide access to cutting-edge technology and equipment in our state-of-the-art training facility and are designed to address real challenges in the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry. These intensive programmes are delivered by experienced professionals and subject matter experts who bring real-world knowledge and expertise to training delivery and allow for hands-on practical training in a realistic simulated training environment.

Introducing NIBRT Global Qualifications (NGQs)

There has recently been a global demand for standardised training solutions for industry to meet the needs of an agile workforce.  To meet this need, NIBRT has introduced their NIBRT Global Qualifications (NGQs) — internationally recognised credentials that set a benchmark for biopharma education and workforce development and mark a significant step forward in standardising biopharmaceutical manufacturing workforce development.

These NIBRT developed micro-credential style course offerings, accredited in partnership with Atlantic Technological University (ATU), are internationally recognised and combine expert-led didactic training coupled with focused hands-on training in the NIBRT training facility. These courses have been designed to facilitate professional workforces, allowing them to learn flexibly and at their own pace.  The initial foundational suite of NGQs include:

• Introduction to Upstream Processing Operations  
• Introduction to Downstream Processing Operations 
• Introduction to Fill-Finish Operations  
• Cleanroom Behaviours  
• Introduction to Quality Control Lab Skills for Biopharmaceuticals  
• Good Manufacturing Practice for Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing 
• Data Analytics for Biopharma 
• Advanced Data Analytics for Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing  
• ATMP Development and Manufacturing Available on Request 
• Regulatory Training for ATMPs: Understanding Manufacturing and Inspection Practices Available on Request  

Hands-On, Real-World Experience

NIBRT’s expansive portfolio of course offerings and delivery options can successfully bridge the gap between traditional academic training and real-world application, preparing our trainees for an industry where they can make a real difference and develop their own careers, while our purpose-built training facilities provide for an unparalleled experience with realistic and competency-focused learning opportunities. The ever-expanding biopharmaceutical sector increasingly requires employees with advanced knowledge, skills, and competencies to manage the exacting requirements of highly regulated, internationally competitive, and fast-paced industries. NIBRT is in an ideal position with its wide range of education and training programmes to ensure that people in this industry are given an opportunity to engage in lifelong learning and aims to provide an increase of people with the relevant skills to the labour market in the area of biopharmaceutical science.

“Studying the L9 Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Medicinal Products (ATMP) Vector Manufacturing through NIBRT/ATU Sligo has significantly deepened my knowledge of ATMP manufacturing. The hands-on modules, real-world case studies and expert guest lectures gave me both technical confidence and strategic insight. I’ve directly applied what I learned in my work, especially in process development, quality systems, and regulatory understanding. It has been one of the most valuable investments I’ve made in my professional development!” – Nathania Harron, L9 Cert in ATMP Vector Manufacturing student

Preparing for an Ever-Changing Industry

The biopharmaceutical sector is rapidly evolving, with complex therapies constantly entering the market. This growth translates into significant career opportunities across all aspects of the industry. NIBRT’s education and training programmes equip graduates with:

• A deep understanding of scientific and engineering challenges
• Practical skills for diverse roles in biopharma manufacturing
• The ability to adapt to innovation-driven, highly regulated environments

Whether someone is beginning a career or looking to enhance current skills, NIBRT’s programmes offer knowledge and experience to succeed in an expanding industry. With options ranging from foundational GMP training to advanced digital and AI-focused modules or globally recognised NGQs, NIBRT provides the skills, standards, and support to help professionals thrive in a sector where innovation never stops.

Your Next Step in Biopharma

Whether you are looking to:

• Strengthen your GMP foundations
• Explore AI and digital technologies
• Earn a university-level qualification
• Achieve a globally recognised NGQ

NIBRT has the programmes, expertise, and facilities to help you succeed.

 Future-proof your career in an industry where innovation never stops.

https://www.nibrt.ie/training-and-education/