A new workforce training center at the Philadelphia Navy Yard will prepare workers for careers in pharmaceutical and advanced therapy manufacturing, adding another career pathway to South Philadelphia’s growing employment hub.
KAAZI, powered by Orchestra Life Sciences, will operate at 1200 Intrepid Ave. and offer a three-month training program combining classroom instruction, computer-based learning and hands-on experience.
The program will cover Good Manufacturing Practice standards, cleanroom behavior, aseptic manufacturing procedures and regulatory compliance. Participants also will work with digital simulations and receive training tailored to the needs of participating employers.
KAAZI is designed for people with a range of educational backgrounds, from high school diplomas to associate and STEM degrees. Each training cohort will include about 12 to 16 participants, with certification awarded upon successful completion of employer-established requirements.
The center will welcome its first pilot cohort in January 2027, working with existing OLS clients and select Philadelphia life sciences institutions. A commercial launch is planned for the first quarter of 2027.
“Training for highly controlled manufacturing environments can be difficult to replicate on the job, where every decision impacts quality, safety and production,” said Hiten Patel, KAAZI’s executive director. “KAAZI gives participants a dedicated environment to practice critical skills and build confidence before entering active production.”
OLS, a technical consultancy specializing in advanced therapy manufacturing, moved its global headquarters from Montreal to the Navy Yard in 2025. KAAZI builds on that investment by extending the company’s expertise into workforce training.
The center joins an expanding network of workforce development programs at the Navy Yard, including the Navy Yard Skills Initiative, launched in 2020 by PIDC and University City District. The initiative has served more than 250 participants and achieved a 91-percent job-placement rate, according to PIDC.
“Workforce development is an important part of the Navy Yard’s continued growth,” said Kate McNamara, PIDC’s executive vice president of the Navy Yard. “Through initiatives like KAAZI, we’re working with employers and workforce partners to connect local talent with career opportunities and help businesses find the skilled workers they need.” ••
