Employers can use both competency models and training matrices to help them recruit and set up their new talent for success.
Competency models serve as a foundational tool to define and support new and emerging occupations by outlining the knowledge, skills, and abilities required across various roles within the field.
Training matrices are structured tools that map required competencies, skills, and training activities against specific job roles or occupations.
“To meet the growing demand for skilled talent in agricultural biomanufacturing, a forward-thinking workforce and training strategy must emphasize early exposure, hands-on learning, and industry-aligned pathways.”
This includes developing competency-based pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs that integrate foundational STEM education with technical training in bioprocessing, automation, and regulatory compliance. Partnerships between industry, secondary and postsecondary institutions, and workforce development boards will be essential to ensure that training programs remain responsive to emerging technologies and employer needs.
Equally important is expanding access for underrepresented and rural populations by offering flexible entry points, stackable credentials, and work-based learning opportunities. Investing in this workforce pipeline not only supports economic growth and innovation but also ensures that a diverse and future-ready labor force is equipped to lead in the transformation of modern agriculture.
