NCBIOIMPACT is a collaborative effort by industry, represented by the North Carolina Biosciences Organization (NCBIO) and its Biotech Manufacturers Forum, The N.C. Biotechnology Center, the N.C. Department of Commerce, the N.C. Community College System, N.C. State University, N.C. Central University and the University of North Carolina System to provide top-quality training and educational opportunities for North Carolinians seeking employment in biomanufacturing-related industries. The three biotech training programs under the NCBIOIMPACT umbrella are -- the N.C. Community College System's BioNetwork, the new Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE) Center of Excellence at North Carolina Central University and The Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC) on the campus of N.C. State.
BioNetwork
The North Carolina Community College System’s (NCCCS) BioNetwork offers specialized training, curricula and equipment to develop a world-class workforce for the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and life sciences industries. BioNetwork community colleges across the state provide this education and training for biomanufacturing industry recruiters who are seeking people with biotech work experience in our state and for workers seeking to transition into a well-paid biotech career.
BioNetwork provides these services and others to their industry clients:
- Customized media development, such as orientation and training videos, manuals, etc.
- Job analyses services.
- Structured interviewing and targeted selection training.
- Pre-employment orientations.
- Customized targeted instruction and training provided by a network of expert instructors.
BioNetwork holds job fairs to put its students directly in touch with industry recruiters. Formal training for potential employees and retraining for existing employees in the biomanufacturing environments also establishes a platform for further education in the field. Estimates by the North Carolina Biotechnology Center show that 2,000 biotech jobs a year are being created for people with community college training.
Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE)
North Carolina Central University in Durham developed the Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE) Center of Excellence to propel the science of biotechnology in new and innovative directions. A $19 million facility funded by the Golden LEAF Foundation offers students research, educational opportunities and training in biotechnology and biomanufacturing at the B.S. and M.S. levels and, eventually the Ph.D. level.
Students in the BRITE program take courses in microbiology, cell and molecular biology, biochemistry and more. During senior year at NCCU, students prepare for life beyond college by working on specific laboratory projects that simulate the work environment of the biomanufacturing industry. Bachelor's degree graduates of the BRITE program can secure positions as associate scientists and research scientists with salaries ranging from $35,000 to $70,000.
Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC)
Based on Centennial Campus at N.C. State University in Raleigh, the Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC) will fuel the growth of the emerging biomanufacturing industry by helping create the most well trained, industry-focused workforce in the world. To do this, BTEC is deploying an unparalleled curriculum of advanced, hands-on training and education modules in a state-of-the-art environment using facilities and equipment that match those in place at the world's leading biomanufacturing companies. To meet industry demands for students skilled in the operation of equipment and processes that are unique to biomanufacturing, BTEC is dedicated to providing hands-on experience and education using state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. This unique center opened in September 2007.
It’s no surprise that many of the world’s largest biomanufacturing facilities are already located in N.C. Industry-specific, hands-on, workforce education and training makes our state extremely attractive as a location for new biotech facilities. In fact, our biomanufacturing industry is growing steadily at more than 10% a year.