Page 9 - NCBWJourney.15

NCBW PHASE TWO 2008 - 2012 9

In 2008 the National Center for the Biotechnology Workforce

B became an affiliate of BioNetwork
ioNetwork is North Carolina’s statewide bio-
technology training and educational initiative,
administered through a cooperative agreement
between the US DOL, Forsyth Technical Community
College and the North Carolina Community College
System.
The National Center for the Biotechnology Work- In 2003 Golden LEAF awarded $60 million for new
force helps create new ways and means for educating buildings and start-up of biotech activities. BioNet-
biotechnology technicians. It cultivates partnerships work was launched as the community college system’s
across the nation that add resources, enhance tech- part of the Biomanufacturing and Pharmaceutical
Training Consortium
niques, raise quality levels initiative.
and improve efficiencies.
The National Center for Back then, leaders
involved in developing
the Biotechnology Work- North Carolina’s bio-
force (NCBW) expands
BioNetwork effectiveness by technology industry
understood that com-
creating out-of-state rela- munity colleges need
tionships and partnerships
to grow expertise. constant curricular
development in order
Among the compatible to respond to industry’s
organizations or institutions
it works with are the Bio- changing demands.
technology International Bob Ingram (left) former Vice Chairman Glaxo These colleges also need
Organization, the NSF-ATE, Wellcome, Nancy Johnston of the NC Biotech specialized process
Bio-Link, US DOL-ETA, Center, and Russ Read (right) Executive Direc- technology equipment
the Bioscience WIRED tor of the NCBW - cooperation among industry, to provide industry-spe-
Initiative, the Biotechnol- education, and government brings training and cific, hands-on training
ogy Institute, the National better jobs in biosciences that benefit many. for biotechnology.

Association for Manufacturers plus the Academy for BioNetwork supports the mission of the North Car-
olina Community College System by aligning world
Education Development. NCBW seeks partnerships class workforce training and education with workforce
via mutual grant opportunities.
The National Center supports students, graduates needs of the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and life
science industries.
and faculty through applied research methods. For BioNetwork trains people at all levels of this industry,
example, a Biotechnology Graduate Tracking Model
was designed to learn more about graduate experienc- including upgrades of incumbent worker skills, from
es and outcomes. Valuable data can now be applied for entry level to management. Its different sites are stra-
success statewide and in other disciplines. tegically and geographically positioned; they develop
The NCBW creates best practice publications on col- curricula - well-designed courses, both short and long
laborative topics to increase and advance training and - to meet the needs of industry. The centers themselves
education of the biotechnology workforce. Plus the are staffed with highly skilled industry-trained experts
NCBW strongly supports the local community college who are constantly improving workforce training pro-
biotechnology programs in the Piedmont Triad. grams that can be delivered, innovatively, anywhere in
North Carolina.