Raritan Valley Community College this week officially opened its expanded Workforce Training Center, a ribbon-cutting event that highlighted RVCC’s commitment to students by keeping pace with the 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 RVCC to offer experiential learning in such rapidly expanding areas as Biomanufacturing and Aseptic Processing, Electric Vehicle Technology, Mechatronics and Robotics, and Welding, to help bridge 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,” said RVCC President Michael J. McDonough.
“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,” he said.
The expanded workforce center 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, McDonough said. Public funding for the $9.8 million project comes from the State of New Jersey, Somerset County, and Hunterdon County.
Aseptic Biomanufacturing Program
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.
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.
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.
NJBioFutures
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.
Electric Vehicle Technology Training
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 a 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.
Mechatronics and Robotics
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.
Welding Lab
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.
Manufacturing Showcase
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 innovative 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 can 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.
The Sept. 16 event featured remarks from state and local officials, as well as representatives from industry and RVCC.
Speakers included Senator Andrew Zwicker (D-16); state Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo; New Jersey Council of County Colleges President Aaron R. Fichtner; Somerset County Board of Commissioners President Shanel Y. Robinson; Hunterdon County Board of Commissioners Deputy Director Shaun C. Van Doren; 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.
Photo Caption: Shanel Y. Robinson, Director, Somerset County Board of County Commissioners, addresses the crowd during the ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 16, 2025 for the expansion of the College’s Workforce Training Center. – Photo credit RVCCC.
