One of the most fulfilling aspects of our work at Maryland MEP is helping more people discover just how rewarding and fulfilling a career in manufacturing can be. That’s why we work tirelessly to offer innovative, collaborative, and industry-specific solutions to give candidates a head start on their manufacturing career paths and help manufacturers address their long-term workforce needs.
In January, we proudly celebrated the most recent class of one of our most successful workforce programs – the Biotech Boot Camp. Over four weeks, 16 students completed this program at Frederick Community College to gain the fundamental skills they need to launch new careers in Frederick’s fast-growing biotech industry.
Throughout the course, the students experienced a blend of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and insights from some of Frederick’s top biotech players. They developed a strong knowledge base of the industry’s regulatory aspects, safety protocols, PPE requirements, and proper procedures for a range of common laboratory tasks. The class was also treated to guided tours of Cartesian, Kite, and Thermo Fisher, where they saw their lessons being applied in the field and experienced first-hand what it’s like to work in this exciting and emerging trade.
“Biotech Boot Camp was an invaluable 3,000-foot overview of the biotech industry,” said past participant Krista Kaiser. “It gave me valuable insight into the field while helping me identify where my transferable skills can be applied as I transition into a new career. Beyond the knowledge gained, the program also provided incredible networking opportunities with professionals and peers across the industry.”
To ensure the students were prepared to begin their new careers as soon as possible, their Biotech Boot Camp experience also included group resume and interview preparation. Following graduation, these new candidates were quickly invited to schedule interviews with employers offering immediate job openings, including AstraZeneca, Precision for Medicine, Lonza and VaLogic. These companies and others have returned year after year to support the Biotech Boot Camp for the value it delivers in accelerating the search for qualified biotech talent.
“The Biotech Boot Camp has been an invaluable resource for us, helping to streamline our recruitment process and connecting us with highly qualified candidates,” says Precision for Medicine. “The focused approach directly addresses one of the biggest challenges we face: identifying candidates with the right blend of technical expertise and industry knowledge. The partnership has not only improved our recruitment outcomes but also provided us with a reliable pipeline of biotech professionals who are ready to contribute from day one.”
With the completion of the eighth Biotech Boot Camp, Maryland MEP is proud to continue this impactful collaboration with Frederick County Workforce Services and Frederick Community College to develop exceptional, ready-to-work candidates who are now primed to begin their new careers in Frederick’s biotech industry. In the past year alone, the Biotech Boot Camp has graduated nearly 50 participants and placed graduates in new careers with positions starting at an average of $24.85 per hour. For these individuals, the program has opened their eyes to the possibilities a career in biotech offers and placed them on an inside track towards employment.
“The program was not only enriching but also very inspiring,” says past participant Bethzalie Gonzalez. “I learned so much and truly valued the guidance and support provided throughout the course. I am confident that the skills I gained will be a valuable asset as I pursue future opportunities in the biotech industry, and I deeply appreciate the chance to have been part of this experience.”
Biotech Boot Camp is a great example of how Maryland MEP partners with industry and regional experts to design custom, effective workforce development programs. Employers and candidates who are interested in joining our next Biotech Boot Camp can learn more by contacting Sara Keith at skeith@mdmep.org.
