BOSTON
Oxford Properties Group (“Oxford”), a leading global real estate investor, asset manager and business builder, announced today that it has partnered with the Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation (“MassBioEd”) to provide support for its Life Sciences Apprenticeship Program. Launched in 2021, the program is designed to build the next generation of life sciences workers by bridging the gap between classroom and industry to expand access to careers in the life sciences. Oxford will initially contribute US$50,000 to the program as part of the repositioning of 745 Atlantic Avenue as a life-sciences ready building. Oxford expects to expand its support of the program as it moves forward with other life science projects it is pursuing in the region.
As the life sciences industry continues to drive economic growth in Boston, it is critical that residents of Boston can participate in, and benefit from this important industry. MassBioEd has a number of programs aimed at building the next generation of life sciences workers. Its newly established apprenticeship program includes intensive classroom training followed by 12-months of paid on-the-job training. Upon completion of their training, participants have the opportunity to join their host company as full-time employees.
Mark McGowan, Vice President, Development at Oxford Properties, commented: “As a member of the greater Boston community, we have a responsibility to ensure that our development projects contribute to equitable growth and create access to opportunities.
"The work that is being done at MassBioEd will create meaningful change for countless individuals. We are thrilled to be part of a program that develops career pathways for the Chinatown and Leather District communities, while also helping life sciences companies find much needed talent and fill key roles.”
Sunny Schwartz, CEO of MassBioEd, added: “The life sciences industry continues to grow in Massachusetts and across the country. The need for skilled talent is greater than ever. At the same time, thousands of capable individuals are left out of these jobs because of a lack of awareness or traditional college degrees.
“Apprenticeships are an exciting and innovative way to bridge this gap. We are confident that we can raise awareness of the wide array of jobs in the life sciences field for local residents, and it is critical that we do so in partnership with forward looking companies like Oxford."
Oxford entered the life sciences sector in 2017 and since has grown its life sciences business across 10 strategic North American markets as well as in the UK and France. Since the start of 2021, Oxford has completed almost US$2.5 billion of life sciences investment across R&D labs and GMP facilities and has identified a further US$3.5 billion of follow-on development opportunities.
Oxford is currently upgrading 745 Atlantic Avenue to provide the infrastructure and facilities necessary to support life sciences and related innovation economy businesses at the uniquely transit accessible site. The funding for MassBioEd is part of Oxford’s commitment to assuring that the surrounding community has expanded opportunities to benefit from technical jobs offering sustainable wages associated with its buildings.
