North Carolina Initiative Trains Biotechnology Workforce

The North Carolina Biotechnology Center, the North Carolina Community College System and industry executives have entered into a partnership to provide trained workers for the growing number of high-paying manufacturing jobs in the state's biotechnology, pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

"This is one of the most important things we are doing in North Carolina," said Gov. Jim Hunt at a Biotechnology Center luncheon attended by about 100 leaders from industry, government and education. "Biotechnology has a greater future than any other area of technology that we are involved in."

According to the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, job growth in biotechnology manufacturing (also called bioprocess manufacturing or biomanufacturing) has averaged about 10% annually over the last several years and will accelerate as more products move out of research laboratories and into commercial development. Already, 18 of North Carolina's 80-plus biotechnology companies have biomanufacturing operations that employ more than 2,000 people.

Having a pool of technicians trained in relevant manufacturing technologies is strategically important for attracting further biotechnology industry development to North Carolina, said Dr. Kathleen Kennedy, interim director of education and training at the Biotechnology Center. "The current output of graduates from relevant community college programs is insufficient to meet the demand, now or in the future," Kennedy said. "The development of educational resources and recruitment of more people into biomanufacturing careers is a critical need."

Biomanufacturing sites in North Carolina use bacteria, yeast and other living cells to produce vaccines and pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements such as vitamin C and amino acids, and enzymes for the food and textile industries.

Together, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and chemicals constitute the Chemicals and Allied Products sector of the state's economy. This sector, which employed more than 50,000 North Carolinians in 1994, has exhibited significantly greater job growth than the overall average for North Carolina manufacturing, and its wages are more than 50% higher than the average for all types of manufacturing. The sector generates about 2,500 new jobs each year, most of which are scientific and technical. About 500 of these jobs are suitable for community college graduates with appropriate training, but only 50 to 70 graduates a year are qualified to fill them.

The workforce-development initiative will strengthen the programs of community colleges that provide relevant training in chemistry, biology, and chemical/biological manufacturing technology. For participating institutions, the initiative will evaluate existing programs and resources, set goals that meet industry needs, enhance existing degree programs and services, and create new programs and services as necessary. An Advisory Committee for Workforce Development, drawn from industry, will help guide the initiative.

Edited by Beth Brindle

For more information: Barry Teater, director of public affairs, or Dr. Kathleen Kennedy, interim director of education and training, North Carolina Biotechnology Center. Tel: 919-541-9366.