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When Raritan Valley Community College held a ceremony on September 16 to officially open its expanded Workforce Training Center, the event marked a defining moment in the College’s history, highlighting a commitment to its students by keeping pace with the ever-evolving talent needs of local and regional employers.

The 22,000 square foot expansion—which increases the facility by 50%, to a total of 65,700 square feet—enables the College to offer experiential learning in such rapidly expanding areas as Biomanufacturing and Aseptic Processing, Electric Vehicle Technology, Mechatronics and Robotics, and Welding, bridging the gap between education and industry.

“The expanded Workforce Training Center transforms our campus, enabling RVCC to provide students and the community with cutting-edge facilities and programs. These advancements are a terrific example of the College’s innovative public-private partnerships, as we collaborate with industry to ensure that our students are well skilled and our programs keep pace with emerging workforce demands,” said RVCC President Michael J. McDonough. “To further support these labor needs, the Workforce addition includes state-of-the art facilities and equipment, providing students with hands-on training to seamlessly transition into jobs, and creating a highly talented workforce pipeline.”

The event featured remarks from state and local officials, as well as representatives from industry and RVCC. Speakers included Senator Andrew Zwicker; Robert Asaro-Angelo, Commissioner, NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development; Aaron R. Fichtner, President, New Jersey Council of County Colleges; Shanel Y. Robinson, Director, Somerset County Board of County Commissioners; Shaun C. Van Doren, Deputy Director, Hunterdon County Board of County Commissioners; Kimberly Lounds Foster, Vice President, Advanced Therapies Innovative Medicine Supply Chain, Johnson & Johnson; Michael Goldberg, Trustee, RVCC Board of Trustees; RVCC President Michael J. McDonough; and Conrad Mercurius, RVCC Executive Director of Workforce Development and Career Education.

The State of New Jersey, Somerset County, and Hunterdon County are supporting the $9.8 million expansion. “RVCC’s Workforce Training Center expansion would not have been possible without the tremendous generosity we have received from Somerset and Hunterdon County, and we are extremely grateful to the counties for their support in making these advancements possible,” Dr. McDonough continued.

“Investing in higher education, like our outstanding Raritan Valley Community College and its state-of-the-art Workforce Training Center, is essential for developing a productive and resilient economy,” said Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson.  “By partnering with regional businesses on skillset needs, RVCC is creating a talent pipeline, providing students with valuable real-world experience in biomanufacturing, mechatronics, welding, and robotics, that will lead to employment.”

“Hunterdon County is proud to support RVCC’s Workforce Training Center expansion. This project is a direct investment in the future of our regional workforce, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience and training in high-demand fields, while helping our local employers meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving economy,” said Hunterdon County Commissioner Director John E. Lanza.

One of the highlights of the WTC expansion is the cutting-edge facility housing the College’s new Aseptic Biomanufacturing program, which features a new cleanroom training environment. RVCC is the first community college in New Jersey to offer hands-on training in a cleanroom setting, and it’s among a small cohort of colleges nationwide that offers students access to such facilities. Cleanrooms prevent contamination and are used in the production of biopharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and semiconductors. Many companies in the region are seeking to fill open Aseptic Production Associate and Manufacturing Technician roles, offering a well-paid, in-demand career path to program graduates.

“With the demand for highly skilled aseptic manufacturing professionals at an all-time high, RVCC’s new Aseptic Biomanufacturing initiative is set to play a crucial role in New Jersey’s biotech and life sciences sector. By equipping students with industry-recognized certifications, hands-on instruction, and direct connections to leading biopharma employers, the program is shaping the workforce of the future,” added Dr. McDonough.

The Aseptic Biomanufacturing program will provide hands-on training in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), aseptic processing, and biomanufacturing techniques to prepare students for critical roles in cell and gene therapy, aseptic biopharma production, and related fields. Aseptic Biomanufacturing is housed in a 3,180 square-foot area that features a biotechnology lab in addition to the cleanroom. These industry-standard facilities are equipped with advanced biopharmaceutical manufacturing equipment, ensuring that students gain practical, real-world experience.

“Today’s milestone at Raritan Valley Community College is a testament to the power of collaboration in building New Jersey’s future workforce," said Kimberly Lounds Foster, Vice President, Advanced Therapies Supply Chain, Johnson & Johnson. “Johnson & Johnson is honored to support RVCC in creating opportunities that not only strengthen New Jersey’s leadership in life sciences but also equip students with the skills and experiences they need to thrive. By investing in a robust local science and manufacturing talent pipeline, we are ensuring that the next generation of innovators is prepared to drive health breakthroughs for years to come right here in NJ.”

The Aseptic Biomanufacturing training will include three specialized certificate programs: a GMP Professional Certificate, a Pharmaceutical Aseptic Cleaning Certificate, and an Aseptic Biomanufacturing Certificate. Program graduates will be well-prepared for employment in such positions as Cell Processing Specialist, Aseptic Production Associate, and Manufacturing Technician in the rapidly expanding biopharmaceutical and advanced therapy industries.

RVCC’s new Aseptic Biomanufacturing program has been developed in collaboration with some of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies, including Johnson & Johnson, Bristol Myers Squibb, Novartis, Merck, BeOne, and Cellares.

“These vital corporate partnerships ensure that the College’s Aseptic Biomanufacturing program aligns with the latest industry needs, giving students access to cutting-edge training, networking opportunities, and potential employment pathways,” said Conrad Mercurius, Executive Director of Workforce Development and Career Education at RVCC.

Adding to these collaborations, the WTC expansion is home to the newly launched NJBioFutures, a groundbreaking workforce development coalition aimed at creating a sustainable, skilled talent pipeline to support New Jersey’s rapidly expanding cell and gene therapeutics sector. The NJBioFutures initiative, established by New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities with support from Johnson & Johnson and other industry partners, brings together experts from education, government, industry, and community stakeholders to offer differentiated training programs, state-of-the art facilities, and industry-responsive curricula to help build a pipeline for new and emerging high-demand roles in New Jersey.

As part of this effort, RVCC, along with Middlesex College and Mercer County Community College, will provide short- and long-term training and certification programs in cell and gene therapy biomanufacturing, biotechnology, and biopharmaceuticals. As a founding sponsor of the coalition, Johnson & Johnson is contributing $1 million to support the development of curricula and modernization of training and lab facilities on each college campus, including the expansion of RVCC’s WTC.

Other areas of the Workforce Training Center expansion that are accommodating growing employment areas include a 4,600 square foot space for Electric Vehicle (EV) Technology training. As the number of electric vehicles increases on the road, resulting in an ever-growing shortage of qualified electric vehicle technicians to service them, RVCC has responded to this need by adding EV training to upgrade its award-winning Automotive Technology program to create a talent pipeline for EV service technicians.

The EV lab expansion and curriculum were created with industry guidance from both the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the NJ Pathways to Career Opportunities statewide initiative. An engine/transmission repair lab will be used for rebuilding engines and transmissions, and storage space for heavier equipment is being included. The expansion allows the Automotive Technology program to offer greater opportunities by enabling the College to serve additional students and provide the EV courses in the evening.

The WTC expansion also features a 1,700 square foot space for Mechatronics and Robotics. There, students will earn in-demand industry credentials to become entry-level production mechatronics and maintenance technicians, gaining a foundational understanding of mechanical, electrical, and computer-controlled systems used in modern automation and manufacturing. The program will help create a talent pipeline for workers who are well-skilled in machine maintenance and quality control specifications.

Students will have the opportunity to earn stackable welding certificates and increase their earning potential in a 1,600 square foot Welding Lab. The facility also will offer welders, inspectors, and technicians the opportunity for professional development to earn extra credentials. These well-trained workers will be highly sought by area manufacturers and facility managers, who will be able to employ welders to keep their operations running smoothly and avoid costly delays.

The manufacturing showcase is a dynamic, 800-square-foot collaborative space designed to unite large-scale equipment manufacturers, learners, employers, and industry experts in one innovative environment. This interactive space features advanced manufacturing equipment from leading manufacturers eager to showcase cutting-edge technology and connect with potential customers and collaborators. Learners will gain hands-on experience with the latest machinery and build relationships with employers seeking skilled talent. Employers will stay ahead of emerging trends, engage in collaborative problem-solving, and identify candidates to strengthen their workforce.

Adding to the new facilities are two standard classrooms, each measuring 1,150 square feet, which provide a conducive learning environment for the more traditional instructional portion of the workforce training programs. Industry partners and community leaders have the opportunity to participate in the educational training of RVCC students by utilizing classroom spaces where they may interview student candidates, make industry presentations, and conduct other high-impact practices.

RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 17, 2025

Media contact: Donna Stolzer, 908-526-1200, ext. 8383

PR #20