Roche Diagnostics aims to build its own talent pipeline for medtech specialists through the University of Indianapolis and the newly created Roche Academy, to funnel students directly into the company.
Through the program, co-developed with the state corporate partnership initiative Ascend Indiana, the university will recruit biology and chemistry students to join the academy, where they will take a Roche-customized curriculum and a hands-on summer internship focused on the necessary life science and engineering skills.
In exchange, students completing the program will receive financial incentives, including a job offer after graduation.
"We have to think differently and more creatively as a company to attract highly skilled talent," Jack Phillips, president and CEO of Roche Diagnostics, said in a statement. Roche has seen a high demand for qualified biomedical equipment technicians, while the university aims to better align its offerings with industry needs.
RELATED: Roche Diagnostics head Roland Diggelmann to step down
"Our supply of skilled workers is not meeting the demand and available talent is often not connecting efficiently with employers who need them," said Jason Kloth, president and CEO of Ascend Indiana, describing how custom pipeline programs can provide value for the company, institutions and students.
Aiming to produce 20 to 25 technicians annually, Ascend, Roche and UIndy will begin recruitment in October, with the first class estimated to begin work at Roche in 2020. Indianapolis’ Roche Diagnostics serves as the biotech’s North American headquarters, employing more than 4,000 people, while the larger Roche Group is active in over 100 countries with about 94,000 employees worldwide.