CTE Creates the Biosciences Workforce

Learn about CTE’s role in developing the workforce in biosciences with ACTE’s updated Sector Sheet. This brief has been revised with the latest on job demand, talent shortages and exemplary CTE programs.  

The biosciences sector employed almost 1.7 million Americans across more than 77,000 businesses in 2014, with earnings that are more than twice the national average. Skilled workers will continue to be in demand as the sector produces new vaccines, safer pes­ticides and groundbreaking gene therapies, among other innovations.

To engage and prepare students for careers in this sector, the Butler Tech Bioscience program in West Chester, Ohio—part of Butler Technology and Career Development Schools—has partnered to offer job shadowing and internships with local hospitals and medical companies such as drug manufacturer AstraZeneca and medical device manufacturers AtriCure Inc. and DRT Medical–Morris. All students participate in HOSA–Future Health Professionals, complete a capstone project and have the opportunity to earn up to 60 college credits as well as industry certifications.

On the postsecondary level, Austin Community College has recently launched a program in medical device manufacturing, leading to a variety of stackable postsecondary certificate and degree options. Central Texas biotechnology businesses contributed to developing the curriculum and provide students with opportunities to take part in internships and research projects.

ACTE’s Sector Sheet series is generously supported by Pearson.

Comments

[Candice Little]

Thank you. It is time for the biosciences to become incorporated into the CTE pathways in a more outstanding way. I am a person who came from the bioscience world into the teaching world and would love to see a more seamless transition pathway. The basic bioscience employment opportunities have a ceiling for salary increases that the education field surpasses at about the median salary range. We need to support new teachers who have made the transition with a more hands-on approach.