In honor of Economic Development Week, this month we are spotlighting creative local initiatives that are helping strengthen Frederick’s business ecosystem. These innovative programs are fostering critical connections and leveraging diverse resources to make Frederick an even better place to live, work, and play.
Here we take a look at:
Frederick’s Biotech Bootcamp
The Program:
Frederick’s IEDC-award winning Biotech Bootcamp was designed to support the workforce needs of life science businesses in Frederick County. The bootcamp leverages resources and collective expertise of our economic and workforce development partners to develop a pipeline of new qualified workers.
The program runs 4 days a week for 4 weeks and is offered in both the morning and evening. The bootcamp features a combination of classroom and hands-on training experience in local lab space. Crafted in partnership with regional biotech companies, the curriculum introduces basic industry-specific skillsets such as gowning, aseptic techniques, documentation, and good manufacturing practices. The Biotech Bootcamp is fully funded for participants and requires no previous background experience in life sciences. Following the successful completion of the program, students are matched with participating local companies for job interviews.
A Team Effort
The initiative is led by Frederick Community College, Frederick County Workforce Services, The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development, and the Frederick County Office of Economic Development. The partner team collectively designed the framework and curriculum of the program, provided key funding and staff resources, marketed the program to prospective candidates and companies, and coordinated the interviews for program participants – both prior to being accepted to the program and following their successful completion of it. The steering team continues to grow —welcoming Maryland MEP as an additional partner and sponsor in 2023.
The spirit of collaboration also shined in the program’s integration with the local private businesses. The partner team leveraged strong relationships with area industry partners for guidance and resources. Participating Frederick-based companies to date include: ThermoFisher Scientific, Precision For Medicine, Medigen, Lonza, VaLogic, AstraZeneca, Kite Pharma, Ellume, and Texcell. These businesses have provided feedback for the curriculum, space for the lab experience during the class, and offered job interviews at the close of the class.
Success So Far
Frederick’s first four Biotech Bootcamp sessions have been highly successful. 49 participants have completed the program. Approximately half of these graduated participants are already working in their new career. The jobs that graduates have been placed in offer an average starting salary of $22-$25/hr. Additionally, through the program experience, participants have received a combined total of 104 Microcredits through the Bioscience Core Skills Institute (BCSI). Interest in the program continues to be overwhelming — with a combined total of over 120 applications to consider for 15 available spots per class in Biotech Bootcamps three and four.
In addition to the direct employees developed through the program, the bootcamp serves as an opportunity to showcase the accessibility of biotech careers. Participants are not required to have any special background or education. Anyone with a willingness to learn can build a career in the life sciences industry. Entry-level positions in the life sciences field are well-paying and offer a pathway for future advancement. Raising awareness in the local community of these opportunities is key not only for our local companies looking to hire, but also for residents seeking employment or considering a career switch.
In recognition of program successes and the collaborative nature of this program, Frederick’s Biotech Bootcamp received a prestigious Silver Award in the category of “Partnerships with Educational Institutions” from the International Economic Development Council at its 2022 annual conference.
If you have an interest in beginning a career in the Bioscience industry or have a life science company in need of entry-level talent, our office or any of our partner organizations.
For more program details, reach out to please contact Latrice Lewis, Frederick County Workforce Services at LLewis@frederickcountymd.gov or 301-600-2762,