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Life Sciences Expansion Project - Alameda/Contra Costa Counties (Regional Project)
Successful Practice:
The Life Sciences Expansion (Life Sci X) Project replicates the Bay Area Biotechnology Career Pathways Project implemented successfully through a public-private partnership with the San Mateo County Workforce Investment Board (WIB), Alameda County WIB (ACWIB), Skyline College, Ohlone College, San Mateo Central Labor Council. Employer partners include Genentech, Bayer Healthcare, Amgen, Cell Genesys and others. The Life Sci X Project continues and expands the work of the Biotech Pathways Project originally funded with a $2 million President’s High Growth Job Training Initiative Grant. It now includes Contra Costa County Workforce Development Board, Richmond WIB, San Jose/Silicon Valley Workforce Investment Network (work2future), and Contra Costa Community College. Partners operate under the auspice of the “Biotech Workforce Network” which strives to work with the biotech industry in a more strategic and coordinated fashion while addressing the high demand for biotech pharmaceutical manufacturing technicians in the Greater Bay Area.

The ACWIB and the San Mateo WIB built on an existing partnerships and developed new relationships with area biotech employers, community colleges and other local organizations to develop career pathways and training. The Network has received additional Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funding totaling $997,834 to increase the training capacity using the successful and award winning biotechnology training model operated at Skyline College and Ohlone College. New classes will be held at Contra Costa Community College and they will draw trainees from several workforce areas including work2future. Genentech and Bayer Healthcare’s involvement in developing and shaping the community college curriculum has ensured that graduates will have the necessary skills to secure job opportunities in the biotech manufacturing industry. The project principally operates as a demand-driven model, putting the needs of the industry at the forefront of planning.

The project will add approximately 125 new workers to the industry by June 30, 2008, and will provide individuals access to jobs with entry-level annual earnings ranging from $35,000 to $45,000 per year.

Funding: $997,834
WIA-Dislocated Worker 25 Percent Additional Assistance Funds

Partners:
Employment Development Department, ACWIB, Contra Costa WIB, City of Richmond WIB, EASTBAY Works, San Mateo County WIB, work2future, Skyline College, Ohlone Community College, Contra Costa Community College and three of the nation’s largest biotech manufacturing firms, Genentech Corporation, Bayer Corporation, Amgen, and a host of smaller research and manufacturing firms.

Contact:
Patti Castro
ACWIB and Biotech Workforce Network
Phone: (510) 259-3843
E-mail: info@BiotechWorkforceNetwork.com
Web Site: www.biotechworkforcenetwork.com