Virginia Biotechnology Association

Together, We're Working Wonders in Virginia

Welcome to VaBio.org

Education & Workforce

Finding a systematic way ensure that the workforce and training system of today will provide enough qualified workers for Virginia’s bioscience industry tomorrow is a major issue for the Virginia Biotechnology Association.

For example, the Commonwealth of Virginia anticipates more than 100,000 retirements among advanced manufacturing workers (including 45,000 technically skilled workers) over the coming decade and a major surge of demand for skilled labor as our state’s bioscience, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor companies continue to expand their operations.

In order to have a sufficient long-term pipeline of biotech workers, we need to ensure that students contemplating careers in math and science understand the exciting and worthwhile career opportunities in biotechnology. We also need to encourage young students at the elementary and middle school level, long before they choose specific careers, to appreciate and participate energetically in the challenging work of math and science so that they do not preclude subsequent career choices in the biosciences. Even though many young science and math students will choose careers outside the biotechnology sector, we believe that a Virginia electorate with greater understanding of the benefits of scientific research and development, and of a strong biotechnology economy, is more likely to support public investments in the infrastructure our industry needs to remain competitive in the decades ahead.

To create a coherent career pipeline, VaBIO is working to design, fund and build a Virginia Biosciences Employability Network—new, permanent infrastructure for promoting career development, training and advancement in biosciences. This network will focus on technical training, career exploration, connections and opportunities for all Virginians through elementary, middle and secondary school, and through higher education, community colleges and graduate degree programs. It will create a system for drawing workers into our sector, engaging them in developmental activities and experiences, and fostering their knowledge and skills as well as their commitment to pursuing careers here in the Commonwealth.

To join us, please contact the VaBIO office at 804-643-6360.

Click here for information on the Virginia Council on Advanced Technology Skills (VCATS).