Shaping the future of cell and gene therapy workforce development: training of cell therapy processing personnel - perspectives from the International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy Lab Practices Committee

Background: The field of cell and gene therapy (CGT) is expanding at a rapid rate. CGT workforce shortage is a growing concern, and high-quality training programs are essential to keep up with the increasing demand for qualified CGT technologists. Methods: A working group within the International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy (ISCT) Laboratory Practices Committee developed an ISCT Lab Practices Committee Survey on Cell and Gene Therapy Technologist Training to gather information on CGT laboratory technologist training practices. Results: The survey results characterize the training landscape of CGT laboratory professionals and highlight the lack of standardization in CGT training. Conclusions: The heterogeneity of training practices among CGT laboratories can make it challenging to design, implement or assess a training program at an individual laboratory. To help navigate this challenge, the authors provide a high-level overview of the resources available for CGT training, describe several potential staff training models, outline a sample curriculum, and highlight some of the key practical considerations for implementing a CGT technologist training program in one's institution.