The "Bio-Bench" Project

Bio-Bench项目的最终目标是为生命科学行业培养熟练的工作技术人员，包括从企业孵化器中成长起来的公司的工人，并培训失业或就业不足的个人进入生命科学行业。 为了实现这一目标，圣路易斯社区学院（SLCC）植物和生命科学中心在孵化器后设施中提供生物技术技术人员培训计划，使SLCC能够帮助成长中的公司度过早期的岁月。SLCC为当地公司提供合同研究组织（CRO），他们可以将工作承包给SLCC培训计划，使他们能够在当地完成工作，并利用公司无法获得的设备，同时为技术人员提供真实世界的经验培训。CRO为成长中的公司提供急需的服务，同时为参加技术人员计划的学生提供现场实习。 该计划的学生将获得尖端的技术技能和科学知识，以推进他们未来在生命科学领域的职业生涯。 该项目还为圣路易斯地区的初中和高中学生提供宣传计划，教育他们了解植物和生命科学行业的机会。当地教师接受与植物和生命科学有关的概念和程序的培训，这些概念和程序可以纳入他们现有的科学课程，提高学生对该行业的迫切需要和现有的许多就业机会的认识和理解。 该项目由来自合作伙伴组织的行业咨询委员会指导，以确定培训需求，与成长型公司建立合作伙伴关系，并协助确定该计划的候选人。 此外，该项目还为新兴公司提供了留在该地区并发展的必要激励措施，以推动该市和该州整个生命科学行业的发展。

The ultimate goal of the Bio-Bench project is to develop skilled bench technicians for the life sciences industry, including workers for companies growing out of business incubators, and training of unemployed or underemployed individuals for entry positions into the life sciences industry. To accomplish this goal, the St. Louis Community College (SLCC) Center for Plant and Life Sciences, with a biotechnology technician training program in a post-incubator facility, allows SLCC to assist growing companies as they navigate the early years of existence. The SLCC provides local companies with a Contract Research Organization (CRO) with which they can contract work to the SLCC training programs, allowing them to get work completed locally, and utilizing equipment that the company doesn't have access to, while giving the technicians training in real-world experiences. The CRO provides a much needed service for growing companies, while providing on-site internships for students enrolled in the technician program. Students in the program will gain cutting edge technical skills and scientific knowledge to advance their future careers in the life sciences. The project also provides awareness programs for middle and high school students within the St. Louis region to educate them on the opportunities available within the plant and life science industry. Local teachers receive training on plant and life science-related concepts and procedures that can be incorporated into their existing science curriculums that raise the awareness and understanding of students as to the critical need for the industry and the many employment opportunities available. The project is guided by an industry advisory committee from partner organizations to establish training needs, establish partnerships with growing companies, and assist with the identification of candidates for the program. In addition, the project provides emerging companies with needed incentives to stay in the region and grow to fuel the growth of the entire life sciences industry within the city and state.