HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. – North Carolina is one state that is leading the way when it comes to biotechnology.

 

 

With more than 400 biotech companies, and a community college system with education focusing on the industry, BioNetwork Industry Liaison Phil Sheridan said now is the time to make sure North Carolina has a trained workforce.

 

“Make sure the kids get the most math and science they can handle throughout their career, and give the options to the teachers to bring in, if it works out well, the biotechnology to their science curriculum,” said Sheridan.

 

BioNetwork is a statewide initiative that is working to create a world-class workforce for the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and life sciences industries. They work within the North Carolina Community College System.

 

On Wednesday Sheridan told Holly Springs Chamber members how the industry is growing.

 

“Here in Holly Springs, it’s going to be 100 jobs with the new Novartis facility. With contract research organizations, four companies are going to need about 3,000 people to do clinical trials in North Carolina in the next three years,” he said.

 

Sheridan said people can start their careers with a high school degree and a certificate or a four-year degree.

 

“They can manage their careers by moving in and out of training to help them move to jobs that they like better, move up in something they’re going to get paid better for, or more on to something they want to do,” he said.

 

Sheridan said students just need the opportunity to understand the industry.

 

It’s a mission Holly Springs High School is taking seriously.

 

“Opportunities in biotech are wonderful, and we have a number of students who are interested,” said Lynne Talyor, a career development coordinator at Holly Springs High School.

 

The school is working on programs to encourage students who are interested, and to offer more classes geared toward the industry.

 

“Our science teachers are very much involved with this biotech initiative, and we’re really trying to create a program to excite and teach our students what biotech really is,” said Taylor.

 

The Holly Springs Business Alliance is also getting involved. They bring speakers and career education to the classroom.

 

“That’s kind of what we’re trying to do is to get the students to be thinking about how day-by-day in school how that relates to what they’re going to do after they graduate,” said Jenny Mizelle, Holly Springs Business Alliance.