6 minute read
Tech Collaboration
DURHAM TECH, WAKE TECH PARTNER TO LAUNCH RTP BIO TRAINING AND TALENT EFFORT
Durham Technical Community College and Wake Technical Community College are launching RTP Bio – a new workforce development collaboration that unites biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and biopharmaceutical talent pipelines of the two community colleges in the Research Triangle Park region.
Durham Tech and Wake Tech serve the fifth largest biotechnology hub in the U.S. with Research Triangle Park located in both college’s service regions. The location and expansion of life science and biopharma industries have significantly accelerated employment demands. In 2020, more than 11,000 biotechnology jobs were created in the Research Triangle.
Current offerings at Wake Tech include degrees in Biopharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology and continuing education through the BioWork credential. Durham Tech offers degrees in Clinical Trials Research, Biomedical Equipment Technology and continuing education through the BioWork credential. Durham Tech also plans to add new degrees in biotechnology-related programs in the coming year.
“RTP Bio will be our mechanism to foster a collective commitment to life science companies in the Research Triangle Park and Durham, Orange, and Wake Counties,” said Durham Tech President J.B. Buxton. “This initiative enhances biotechnology career opportunities for students and graduates of both Durham Tech and Wake Tech.”
The goal of the RTP Bio collaboration is to support a seamless face for regional biotech employers in addressing their employment demands and foster greater collective impact. Durham Tech and Wake Tech have committed to develop joint efforts in areas such as 1+1 associate degree transfer arrangements; delivery of short-term and customized workforce training; development of apprenticeship programs; and pathways for high school students in biotechnology. In addition, the collaborative would support biotechnology-related career development and employment services across both colleges and counties.
“We’re excited for what the future holds for RTP Bio, and we’re excited to work together to prepare the future IT
Wake Tech President Scott Ralls
SCOTT RALLS
Wake Tech President and biotech professionals,” said Scott Ralls, President of Wake Tech.
Learn more at durhamtech.edu/rtpbio. For more information, contact Desiree Towson, M.S., Communications and Public Relations Coordinator, at allisontowsond@durhamtech.edu.
Durham Tech President J.B. Buxton
RTP Bio will be our mechanism to foster a collective commitment to life science companies in the Research Triangle Park and Durham, Orange, and Wake Counties. This initiative enhances biotechnology career opportunities for students and graduates of both Durham Tech and Wake Tech.
J.B. BUXTON Durham Tech President
ON THE MENU
NEED ASSISTANCE STARTING A BUSINESS?
On the Menu’s “Opportunities for Minority & Women-Owned Businesses in NC” is 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on July 7 at Frontier 800 in Research Triangle Park.
An opportunity to gain inside on various programs, grants and initiatives that exist in North Carolina to support businesses – including statewide supplier diversity initiatives, certification requirements, small business impact grants, business development and trainings, and more
At the end of the session, attendees can get assistance to apply for the agenda opportunities and utilize session leader, Tammie Hall, as a resource for any questions.
Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. for in-person participation, and lunch is available (Zoom participation is an option).
Session Leader Tammie Hall serves as Director for the Office of Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) and Assistant to the Secretary for HUB Outreach for the State of North Carolina where she is responsible for developing policy and guidelines for the State’s HUB program.
Frontier 800 is located at 800 Park Offices Drive in Research Triangle Park.
RTP Short Takes
n Research Triangle Park’s Boxyard RTP celebrated its one-year anniversary in early June, with a weekend of events, entertainment, and specials. The unique venue features dining options, live music, special events and more. n GoTriangle – in partnership with the Future Renewable Electric Energy Delivery and Management (FREEDM) Systems
Center at NC State University – launches a project this summer to bring a new electric bus-charging station within three years through a U.S. Department of Energy funded project. n Life science firm Heat Biologics is changing its name to NightHawk
Biosciences. The clinical stage biopharmaceutical business specializes in disease-fighting therapies that activate patients’ immune systems against cancer and other diseases, and in biodefense biopharmaceuticals. n Enzyvant, which focuses on developing regenerative medicines for rare diseases, plans a new manufacturing facility in RTP. n Novartis received FDA approval for its
RTP multi-product gene therapy manufacturing facility produce commercial grade gene therapies, including
Zolgensma. n KBI Biopharma Inc. recently opened new $150 million, 150,000 sq. ft. commercial manufacturing facility in
Research Triangle Park.
RTP Events & Activities
JUN
n Hear & There (live music Wednesdays), 12-2 pm, free, BeatBox Stage; Boxyard
RTP, 900 Park Offices Dr, Research Triangle Park. Info: boxyard.rtp.org or email hello@boxyardrtp.com. n RTPFIT: Yoga, Tuesdays, 12-12:50 pm; free; Frontier 700. Info: frontier.rtp.org. n Taking Back Thursdays (live music
Thursdays), 12-2 pm, free, BeatBox
Stage; Boxyard RTP, 900 Park Offices Dr,
Research Triangle Park. Info: boxyard. rtp.org or email hello@boxyardrtp.com. n Out of the Office, Thursdays, (except 3rd Thu of month); beer, wine, and networking; free; 4:30-6:30 pm; Frontier 800. Info: frontier.rtp.org. n Game Night, 5:30-8:30 pm, Wednesdays, free, Pavillion; Boxyard RTP, 900
Park Offices Dr, Research Triangle Park.
Info: boxyard.rtp.org or email hello@ boxyardrtp.com. n LOJO: Log Off, Jam On (live must
Fridays), 5-8 pm, free; BeatBox Stage;
Boxyard RTP, 900 Park Offices Dr, Research Triangle Park. Info: boxyard.rtp. org or email hello@boxyardrtp.com.
JUL
n On the Menu: Opportunities for Minority & Women-Owned Businesses in
NC; 12-1 pm, July 7, free; Frontier 800.
Info: frontier.rtp.org. n RTPFIT: Yoga, Tuesdays, 12-12:50 pm; free, Frontier 700. Info: frontier.rtp.org. n Hear & There (live music Wednesdays) 12-2 pm, free, BeatBox Stage; Boxyard
RTP, 900 Park Offices Dr, Research Triangle Park. Info: boxyard.rtp.org or email hello@boxyardrtp.com. n Out of the Office, Thursdays, (except 3rd Thu of month); beer, wine, and networking; free; 4:30-6:30 pm; Frontier 800. Info: frontier.rtp.org. n LOJO: Log Off, Jam On (live must
Fridays), 5-8 pm, free; BeatBox Stage;
Boxyard RTP, 900 Park Offices Dr, Research Triangle Park. Info: boxyard.rtp. org or email hello@boxyardrtp.com. n Game Night, 5:30-8:30 pm, Wednesdays, free, Pavillion; Boxyard RTP, 900
Park Offices Dr, Research Triangle Park.
Info: boxyard.rtp.org or email hello@ boxyardrtp.com. n Frontier Food for Thought, 9-10 am, 7-20; pop-up community breakfast; free; Frontier 800, 800 Park Offices Dr,
Triangle Park. Info: frontier.rtp.org. n Taking Back Thursdays (live music
Thursdays), 12-2 pm, free, BeatBox
Stage; Boxyard RTP, 900 Park Offices Dr,
Research Triangle Park. Info: boxyard. rtp.org or email hello@boxyardrtp.com. n Saturdaze: DJ Wicked, 11:30 am-2:30 pm, free; BeatBox Stage; Boxyard RTP, 900 Park Offices Dr, Research Triangle
Park. Info: boxyard.rtp.org or email hello@boxyardrtp.com.
AUG
n Hear & There (live music Wednesdays) 12-2 pm, free, BeatBox Stage; Boxyard
RTP, 900 Park Offices Dr, Research Triangle Park. Info: boxyard.rtp.org or email hello@boxyardrtp.com. n RTP Yoga, Tuesdays, 12-12:50 pm; free,
Frontier 700. Info: frontier.rtp.org. n Taking Back Thursdays (live music
Thursdays), 12-2 pm, free, BeatBox
Stage; Boxyard RTP, 900 Park Offices Dr,
Research Triangle Park. Info: boxyard. rtp.org or email hello@boxyardrtp.com. n Out of the Office, Thursdays, (except 3rd Thu of month); beer, wine, and networking; free; 4:30-6:30 pm; Frontier 800. Info: frontier.rtp.org n LOJO: Log Off, Jam On (live must
Fridays), 5-8 pm, free; BeatBox Stage;
Boxyard RTP, 900 Park Offices Dr, Research Triangle Park. Info: boxyard.rtp. org or email hello@boxyardrtp.com. n Frontier Food for Thought, 9-10 am, 8-11; pop-up community breakfast; free; Frontier 800, 800 Park Offices Dr,
Triangle Park. Info: frontier.rtp.org. n Game Night, 5:30-8:30 pm, Wednesdays, free, Pavillion; Boxyard RTP, 900
Park Offices Dr, Research Triangle Park.
Info: boxyard.rtp.org or email hello@ boxyardrtp.com.
