Scalable Comprehensive Workforce Readiness Initiatives
Through this project, BioMADE established new career pathways in bioindustrial manufacturing, including hands-on job training programs that were piloted in northern California. The project included mentorship programs, first-of-its-kind Warfighter-to-Scientist Workshops, and professional development workshops. Combined, these programs responded to regional and national needs for a pipeline of workers trained in bioindustrial manufacturing and served nearly 125 participants. Learn more about each program within this project below.
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Warfighter-to-Scientist Workshops
The Warfighter-to-Scientist Workshops provided transitioning military personnel and their families with an empowering introduction to bioindustrial manufacturing. Over 40 participants engaged in two-week, hands-on training that covered an introduction to bioindustrial manufacturing and related careers, practical, safety and regulatory standards, and operational skills in upstream and downstream processing. Programming was a mix of classroom, hands-on laboratory, and in-person site visits to see bioindustrial manufacturing in action.
The workshops, piloted with members of the Travis Air Force Base community and in North Carolina for members of Fort Bragg and surrounding military community, were designed to set warfighters up for success by introducing them to bioindustrial manufacturing and the career options it provides. Students leave inspired to explore bioindustrial manufacturing, identify career options in the field, and take the next steps in this exciting and growing industry. One participant described the workshop as “one of the most empowering learning experiences I’ve ever had.”
“I never thought I could understand this kind of science. The instructors broke it down step by step and I actually feel like I can do this now.”
– Warfighter-to-Scientist participant
Mentorship Program
The Mentorship program paired nearly 50 attendees across multiple cohorts with mentors from 29 different organizations working in bioindustrial manufacturing. Mentors provided guidance through one-on-one meetings and group activities like resume reviews, networking sessions, and facility tours, helping participants gain confidence, professional readiness, and career direction. Mentees reported increased confidence and interest in pursuing a career in bioindustrial manufacturing, and mentors expressed satisfaction in noting their mentees’ professional growth and initiative throughout the course of the program.
“This experience gave me a lot more confidence and reassurance about my pathway… anyone who is able to partake in the BioMADE mentorship is extremely lucky to be a part of it.”
– Mentorship program participant
Professional Development Workshops
BioMADE also hosted two Professional Development Workshops for instructors from two-year institutions in the Bay Area. These workshops equipped educators with the tools to integrate bioindustrial manufacturing modules into their existing curricula.
Participants of the program:
Agree they can realistically implement one or more of the activities into their teaching
Found the activities were applicable to their current students
Are motivated to apply what they learned at the workshop into their curriculum