BioWork certification coming to county’s high schools

SMITHFIELD — Johnston Community College and the county's public high schools are teaming up to offer the BioWork program.

BioWork is a statewide certification program that teaches the basics of working as a process technician in biotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry or chemical manufacturing.

With support from Grifols and Novo Nordisk, high school juniors and seniors will be able to complete the free course in one semester through JCC's Career and College Promise program.

Eric Bracy is superintendent of Johnston County Public Schools. "This program will help propel many Johnston County students into success ... as they begin their journey into high-demand biopharmaceutical career pathways that are available in our community," he said.

"We are extremely thankful for our community partners who have collaborated to provide this innovative opportunity for our students," Bracy added.

Vern Lindquist is president of Johnston Community College. "We are proud to partner with the Johnston County Public School System to provide this unique and valuable workforce training at their schools," he said. "Completing this certificate will set students up for success in a biotechnology career."

Reno Palombit, the public schools' director of career and technical education, agreed with Bracy and Lindquist. "This partnership is another step in our mission that every Johnston County Public Schools graduate has a plan for their future and the skills, knowledge and aptitudes to make it a reality," he said.

For students hired after graduating from high school, the BioWork certification will count as one year of work experience in a biopharmaceutical manufacturing plant.

Novo Nordisk and Grifols, which have plants near Clayton, support bringing BioWork certification to the county's high schools.

"Programs like BioWork are not only preparing students for the future but also offering the promise of rewarding careers in the biomanufacturing industry," said Shaylah Nunn-Jones, a Novo Nordisk spokeswoman.

"The skills and knowledge gained through these programs are fundamental to most of the diverse manufacturing roles we hire at Novo Nordisk, as well as the other 700-plus biotech companies in the Triangle Region alone," she added. "That's what makes this so exciting — we're not just preparing our youth, we're equipping our future workforce with secure, well-paid jobs."

Blaire Narron is senior manager for performance development at Grifols. "Grifols is proud to support BioWork in Johnston County Public Schools, a potential game changer for many students and their families," she said.

"Grifols hopes that BioWork graduates will consider a fulfilling career with us when they begin their job search," Narron added.

Completion of the BioWork certificate allows students to enroll at JCC with the equivalent of two curriculum classes toward an associate's degree in biotechnology.

BioWork classes in Johnston County's traditional public high schools will begin this spring. An information session for parents is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the Johnston County Workforce Development Center, 135 Best Wood Drive, Clayton.

For more information on the program, go to https://bit.ly/3ZUKCIQ.