Bridging the Talent Gap:: Connecting Talent to Bioscience Careers.

Abstract

There is an urgent need to engage, educate, and train a skilled workforce for Delaware's growing life science sector. A sizeable number of these jobs can be obtained with a high school diploma or GED, coupled with an industry informed short-term training program. Unfortunately, this is not widely known, and many disadvantaged populations do not have access to the necessary training. Through a partnership between the Delaware Bioscience Association and the Delaware Biotechnology Institute at the University of Delaware, efforts are currently underway to develop a pilot training program, specifically focusing on the skills needed for biomanufacturing and basic laboratory operations. Additionally, the program will devote significant resources to the identification and recruitment of participants with an emphasis on engaging historically underrepresented populations, as well as removing barriers to accessing the training. The goal is to connect talent to available careers in the industry, providing participants with increased economic mobility and financial stability.