BioBuilder unveils BioTechBuilder curriculum to jumpstart biotech careers

The BioBuilder Education Foundation has launched BioTechBuilder, a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare high school students for careers in biotechnology. 

This new programme aims to provide practical classroom lessons and laboratory training, enabling students to earn micro-credentials and enter the biotech workforce immediately after graduation.

With a growing demand for skilled labour in the biotechnology sector, BioBuilder's initiative addresses a critical need. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nearly 40% of students opt out of college or take time off after high school. BioTechBuilder offers these students a pathway to meaningful employment in the biotech industry, equipping them with the necessary skills and credentials.

Dr. Natalie Kuldell, founder and executive director of BioBuilder, stated:

“High school students should be given a chance to experience what the work is like before they choose one career path over another.

“We’ve seen how offering more exposure to “real-world” science and STEM career skills can excite students about science and help them decide to pursue careers in this field. The launch of BioTechBuilder is an example of our continued commitment address the gaps in the bioeconomy workforce".”

BioTechBuilder has been developed with several industry leaders, including UCB, BioMADE, Ginkgo Bioworks, and Daicel Arbor Biosciences. The curriculum is designed to support US students interested in pursuing biotechnology and biomanufacturing careers, regardless of whether they plan to attend college. It connects students directly to entry-level STEM positions through industry-recognised micro-credentials.

Jon Weaver, president and CEO of Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives (MBI), emphasised the importance of this initiative: 

“As the biotech industry continues to grow, there is an urgent need for passionate and highly skilled workers to join us in solving the world’s greatest challenges with life science.

“We are excited by programs like BioTechBuilder that will help the next generation master the fundamental knowledge and hands-on techniques used in biotechnology so that they can join the industry workforce as soon as possible.”

Beginning this summer, Carolina Biological Supply Company will host the BioTechBuilder curriculum and provide kits with necessary laboratory materials. The BioScience Core Skills Institute will administer both essential and advanced micro-credential tests. 

A pilot programme was conducted in Worcester's public schools in collaboration with Clark University, Worcester Public Schools, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, and Mass Biomedical Initiatives. Preliminary data from this pilot show that 82% of students received at least one micro-credential, demonstrating the curriculum's effectiveness.

BioTechBuilder offers a "biotechnology-in-a-box" curriculum. It includes modules that build scientific understanding and student confidence in DNA and protein analysis, biomanufacturing, and synthetic biology. The programme features hands-on training, lab practicals, and peer-to-peer learning to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the biotech field.

Dr. Kuldell highlighted the practical benefits of the programme:

“Because it was co-developed with academic partners and industry-leading companies, BioTechBuilder will give students a leg up and way into great careers in biotechnology and biomanufacturing, regardless of if they choose to attend college or go directly into the workforce.”