The Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE) at North Carolina Central University provides industry with skilled scientists prepared on day one to pursue careers in biopharmaceutical sciences and management. This workforce development proposal addresses two demands in the field. First, industry desires to have training content certified such that they are assured of the quality of employee knowledge. Second, community colleges have developed two-year degrees in pharmaceutical techniques and are seeking, through articulation agreements, assurances that coursework content will support a seamless transition to a baccalaureate degree or to advanced certificates to increase workforce readiness skills and knowledge.
This proposal serves to address the needs of community colleges and their students, incumbent industry workers seeking to upgrade or broaden their skills, and B.S. seekers and graduates seeking stackable credentials. A key piece of the proposed project is to (1) expand/develop partnerships, in particular articulation agreements, with community colleges. We will (2) develop online certificates for advanced training, with an emphasis on knowledge and problem-solving skills, and (3) establish externships for community college students and incumbent workers to provide intensive industry-relevant lab experiences. Thus, complimentary stackable credentials will be offered to persons at various levels of preparation for industry positions.