Craven Community College will introduce a new BioWork certification in time for the fall semester on Aug. 21. The program will be held on the Havelock campus and will teach students the foundational skills needed to begin a career as a process technician for a biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or chemical manufacturing company.
“This program is a great chance for folks who are interested in a career in a growing field that pays well,” said Megan Johnson, workforce development coordinator. “Our state has a thriving life science industry that offers numerous opportunities for students who complete the BioWork certification course.”
Course topics will include workplace safety, chemistry, process control, and microbiology. Students will receive extensive, hands-on laboratory experience in conjunction with classroom lectures and assignments. They will also learn about all aspects of the job search process, including résumé preparation and interview practice.
Additional topics include biotechnology industry and job overview; current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP); measurements, metrics, and math; chemistry for process manufacturing; process flows, technology, and equipment; controlling the process and maintaining quality; aseptic processing; and fermentation and cell growth. Students will also learn the connection between biotechnology and products people use each day.
The BioWork Process Technician program is designed to cater to a wide range of backgrounds and career goals, including recent high school graduates, employees looking for a change, and transitioning military. North Carolina has approximately 63,000 jobs in the biomanufacturing and life science (bioscience) industry and more than 700 biotech companies. There has been a 6.6% statewide job growth rate since 2012, while the national rate is only 2.2%.
Additionally, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employees in the process and chemical technician field earn an average of $48,990 per year. The typical entry-level education requirement is an associate degree.
Potential students must have earned a high school diploma or equivalent and view an information session at ncbionetwork.org/biowork. National Career Readiness Certification is also encouraged, and the certification test is available at the college’s New Bern campus testing center.
The BioWork class will run Aug. 21 through Nov. 27. The $280 registration fee includes the required BioWork student manual. Financial assistance may be available for qualifying students.
For more information, contact Johnson at 252-444-6013 or johnsonm@cravencc.edu, or visit CravenCC.edu/BioWork.
By Craig Ramey