NCBiotech was awarded a U.S. Economic Development Administration Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant to further strengthen North Carolina’s existing life sciences manufacturing cluster by expanding, connecting, and promoting training and career opportunities to underserved and distressed communities, including historically excluded populations. The life sciences manufacturing cluster is at a critical point in North Carolina, with more than 7,000 new jobs and over $7 billion in investment announced since January 2020. The life sciences manufacturing workforce training initiative aims to meet the workforce challenge by developing a talent pipeline that will support the growing life sciences manufacturing cluster in southeastern North Carolina.
In partnership with Economic Leadership, Creative EDC developed a workforce strategy built upon regional education and training assets, best practices, and the evolving life sciences landscape. Initiatives include new and expanded education and training programs and raising awareness at all points of the talent development pipeline.