- The 3-week training ran from July 22 to August 9, providing an experience of cGMP-grade facilities in Hwasun, Jeollanam-do. 

- The training included VR on-site education, offering both GMP facility experience and cultivation process training. 

▲ Photo of Professor Choi Cheol-ung from Chosun University with the 15 graduates.

PCMO (Director Min Cho, hereinafter referred to as the Center) announced on the 14th that it successfully completed a 3-week GMP training program for 15 students from Chosun University's Department of Biomedical Science and other related departments.

This training took place at PCMO's facility located in the Hwasun Vaccine Industry Special Zone, featuring a curriculum that combined theoretical and hands-on training. The program utilized PCMO’s latest GMP facilities and engaged participants through industry trends and discussions with current employees.

The curriculum was designed based on the ‘Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)’ standards set by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, aimed at making it easy for students to understand through a balance of theory and practice. The training included the following components:

• ▲ Basic GMP education
• ▲ Validation and equipment verification
• ▲ Theory and tour of the manufacturing site
• ▲ Theory and practice of utility (facility management)
• ▲ Quality Control (QC) education
• ▲ VR (Virtual Reality) cultivation process training
• Experts in each field delivered lectures based on their on-site experience. 

Notably, this training introduced a VR education program for the first time, which attracted significant interest from the students. The VR program, developed through the 'Vaccine Industry Manpower Training Project' funded by the MOTIE(Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy) and Hwasun County, was designed to effectively provide virtual tours and equipment practice.

The overall satisfaction score for the training was 90.6, reflecting high approval. Satisfaction with the VR training’s difficulty level was particularly high at 97, confirming that students gained substantial field experience through VR.

▲ Photo of the VR cultivation process training session.

Additionally, PCMO conducted a survey with the 15 trainees regarding job search and educational aspects. Most trainees cited completing training at a certified institution and gaining research experience as their primary goals. Considerations for applying included the training curriculum, location, feedback from previous graduates, and nearby public transportation.

Some trainees remarked, "The integration of theory and practice made the training more memorable," and noted that "The in-depth content and the experiences shared by experts in their respective fields were very beneficial."

PCMO plans to train over 900 graduates by 2026 through the 'Vaccine Industry Manpower Training Project,' which is supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy and Hwasun County. The completion of the new training and dormitory facility, scheduled for the first half of 2025, is expected to support vibrant educational programs in the coming year.