Events
Biotech Students Network with Potential Employers
RALEIGH, N.C. (February 14, 2012) - Biotech students from across North Carolina had the opportunity to impress industry representatives and prospective employers today at a job fair at the NC BioNetwork Capstone Center. More than 175 job-seekers looking for technician or entry-level positions in biomanufacturing attended the event which featured eight biopharmaceutical manufacturing companies and several staffing agencies. The job-seekers handed out resumes and networked with company representatives. The Capstone Center is a state-of-the art training facility located in the Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center on NC State University’s Centennial Campus in Raleigh. It is operated by a consortium of NC community colleges, led by Wake Tech.
The job fair was designed for current and former Capstone Center students as well as other community college students in biotech programs who have had hands-on training, in preparation for work in the biopharmaceutical industry. Organizers say it was a huge success. “We’re thrilled with the turnout,” said Ana McClanahan, Senior Director of the BioNetwork Capstone Center. “Our main goal is to help our students find jobs and this was a great way to connect them with potential employers.”
Wake Tech’s mission is to meet the educational and training needs of its diverse community, and to provide a qualified workforce for area employers. The Capstone Center was a centerpiece in recruiting Merck, Novartis and several other companies to the area. It features the region’s most advanced aseptic suite for hands-on training in clean room processing techniques and teaches all aspects of the biomanufacturing process, including cell culture, purification, quality control and environmental testing.
Wake Tech’s biopharma programs include an associate in applied science degree in BioPharmaceutical Technology as well as BioWork, a 128-hour certificate course. BioWork equips students with entry-level skills for employment as process technicians in biotechnology, pharmaceutical or chemical manufacturing companies. It is intended for high school graduates, manufacturing workers who have lost their jobs, and others who want to start new careers.
