The need to close gaps in the biotechnology workforce has led to an increase of lengthy and sometimes pricey trainings. Flexibility is crucial in filling workforce gaps. Montgomery College’s Workforce Development and Continuing Education programs offer that flexibility. Customized biotechnology trainings, designed to meet current industry workforce gaps, enable participants to launch their career in biotechnology while attaining formal degrees and/or certificates through Montgomery College’s
accredited and State recognized biotechnology credit program.
Previous Success and Ongoing Efforts
Montgomery College has offered several 64-hour Biotech Bootcamp trainings which trained displaced hospitality workers to work in the biopharmaceutical industry during and shortly after Covid. Eighty-five percent of those participants are still employed within industry. Our highly recognized BioTrain program continues to address the skills gap within the biotech industry and has recently begun collaborating with Montgomery College’s MI-BEST (Maryland Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training) Program to advance the careers of 10 students with high-intermediate or advanced English skills that still need improvement. The MI-BEST program is funded through Montgomery County Government scholarships.
Current Bootcamp Focus
The current Montgomery College (Maryland) Biotech Boot Camp, an 8-week, 136-hour program, began June 10 and runs until August 1, 2024. This collaboration between the MC Biotech Program, BioTrain, and MI-BEST provides rigorous hands-on biotech training, English language skills, Basic Math and Career Readiness classes. The Biotech Bootcamp focuses on teaching standard and more technical protocols associated with biotechnology sterilization procedures, GLP (Good Laboratory Practices), and GDP (Good Documentation Practices). Concurrently it improves the English proficiency of the participating students with an emphasis on the terminology associated with the biopharmaceutical industry. Effective communication is essential for collaboration, research, and adherence to safety protocols. This makes English proficiency a priority. No prior biotechnology experience is needed and participation is free of charge for all attendees.
Fetwi Gubsa, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Lead Instructor, Workforce Readiness Programs says, “For me, it is a privilege and deeply rewarding to be part of this successful initiative that provides immigrants with the foundational skills necessary to thrive in the biotech field, bridging gaps and creating new career opportunities. Collaborating with the biotech program staff is equally rewarding; their expertise and dedication are invaluable in helping me understand the field and
contribute to the success of the initiative. I have been working closely with the students in the last few weeks, and I am particularly impressed by the students’ enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. They quickly formed a supportive community, working as a team to help each other grow and succeed, which greatly enhanced their learning experience.”
Nicanor Aquino, Operations Lab Support Manager, Millipore Sigma says “The BioTrain program at Montgomery College is indeed an incredible initiative. It’s designed to help students kickstart their careers in biotechnology, providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the industry confidently. The support and guidance from Program Director, Dr. Chandok, ensure that students receive personalized attention and mentorship. The high level of motivation among the students contributes significantly to the program’s success, making the teaching experience rewarding and effective. This program truly exemplifies a commitment to student success and professional development in the biotech field.”
Addressing Diversity and Inclusion
Montgomery County is rich in racial and ethnic diversity. Montgomery College is proud to be recognized as the most diverse community college in the continental United States. Much of this diversity is found in the first-generation immigrant population. Many of these individuals have college certifications in STEM from institutions in their country of origin. Needing recognized credentials for appropriate employment in the states coupled with limited English skills hinders the ability of these potential workers to find work that suits their prior training while becoming recertified. Significant socio-economic factors also limit/lack access to upskilling and reskilling training opportunities in the biotech sector. The fast-paced nature of the industry demands continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies and methodologies. Without access to these crucial learning opportunities, first-generation immigrants find it challenging to keep up with industry advancements and secure a position with family sustaining wages.
Boot Camp participants say…
“I have a background in biotech, but I have had over four years of career gap. This course would help me refresh my biotech knowledge and improve my chances of finding a job in the USA.”
“I didn’t hesitate to apply for this biotech training program from Montgomery College for I surely know that it will be beneficial for my life and to my career. There ate a wide range of opportunities for my career growth that allow me to start at the bottom to highest position, it has competitive salaries, flexible career paths, and job security as well. I considered myself a lucky one.”
“By equipping me with these practical skills, the program will help me to get my career goal in science work. It will also enable me to work in the demand of biotechnology to help humans, pharmaceuticals, and the environment.”
“This bootcamp offers training in basic skills, laboratory equipment, good laboratory practice (GLP), bio-safety, attention to detail, communication, problem-solving. By equipping me with these practical skills, the program will help me learn new things, have laboratory experience in the USA and be able to find a job.”
BioTrain Director and Biotechnology Program Manager Dr. Meena Chandok says that “BioTrain program is ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the dynamic and evolving Biotech field and acquire relevant skills that are in high demand. Our current Biotech Boot Camp equips first-generation immigrants that want to work with the essential tools and opportunities for success, thereby enhancing their lives and contributing significantly to the overall growth of the biotech industry, Montgomery County and Maryland.”
More training Opportunities at Takoma Park Silver Spring Montgomery College
Montgomery College, Takoma Park Silver Spring campus will open a new science building – the Catherine and Isiah Leggett Math and Science Building – in Fall 2024. Among the 27 laboratory spaces will be a new biotech training area. “This space will enable much needed biotech trainings in the southern and eastern regions of
Montgomery County”, says Jim Sniezek, Dean of Instruction for the Chemical, Biological, and Biotechnology areas of the College. “Our excellent Germantown biotech facility can be more than a 24 mile one-way commute for some students. For those who must use public transportation that is a significant distance (timewise) to travel each day. We hope that this new facility will significantly shorten the commute time allowing for more training and practice time in the lab.”
If you are interested in participating in a future biotech training opportunity or would like to partner with us, sponsor a program, or develop a customized workforce training initiative to meet your organization’s needs, please reach out to Dr. Meena Chandok at meena.chandok@montgomerycollege.edu or 240-567-2445.
