When Charlotte Tisdell first heard about a life sciences apprenticeship through the Massachusetts Unemployment Office, she wasn’t familiar with the industry.

"I knew very little about it," she says. "Other than that it was an expanding industry in the Northeast."

At the time, Charlotte was working in warehousing and kitting and was unsure what career path she wanted to pursue. She didn't have a background in life sciences, and she didn't have family or friends working in the industry. Like many people considering a career change, she wasn't sure where her skills and experience might lead.

Everything changed when she enrolled in a workforce training program designed to help people break into the field.

"The experience was very positive," Charlotte says. "Both the live and online classes were very informative, and the actual hands-on experience was fantastic and a good way to get a foot in the biotech door."

The program gave Charlotte an introduction to the industry and helped her take the first step toward a new career. Today, she works as a Manufacturing Associate II at Bristol Myers Squibb.

"The team I'm on is great, and the work feels very meaningful," she says.

She quickly learned that success in the industry isn't limited to people with traditional scientific backgrounds.

"I was able to bring my own personality and unrelated work experience to give valuable feedback regarding workflow and help improve processes and recipes," she says.

Her experience showed her that skills developed in other industries can still be valuable in life sciences. Problem-solving, teamwork, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn all helped her succeed in her new role.

Looking back, Charlotte says the apprenticeship helped her find direction at a time when she was uncertain about her future.

"I have found a job that I very much enjoy and an industry that I believe I can flourish in, at a time when I was very unsure of what career I should pursue."

She has since recommended the program to several other people.

For those considering a career in life sciences, Charlotte believes the industry offers real opportunities for growth, especially for people coming from nontraditional backgrounds.

"The life sciences seem to be a promising and expanding career option in New England," she says. "As manual careers seem to be at risk of being replaced by automation, the life sciences are a good place for people with more labor experience to grow and expand."

Her advice for anyone thinking about taking the first step?

"Listen to the trainers. They have lots of valuable experience that still helps me to this day."

Charlotte's story shows that there is more than one path into the life sciences industry. You don't need industry connections or years of scientific experience to get started. With the right training and a willingness to learn, people from a wide range of backgrounds can build rewarding careers and find opportunities for long-term growth.