BULLS program provides equitable access to careers in life sciences

To generate the region’s workforce in biomanufacturing, a program called BULLS was created in 2020. The program addresses the demand for talent while providing financial support and career opportunities for Durham’s young adults, especially those from black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) and underrepresented communities.

The BULLS Life Sciences Academy, a collaboration between Made in Durham and Durham Technical Community College, provides free education and training for 18-25 year olds.

"With the growth of life sciences companies coming to the Triangle, there was concern about being able to meet the talent demands," said Casey Steinbacher, Executive Director of Made in Durham. "When COVID-19 happened, it created a sense of urgency to create that talent pipeline. We learned quickly that entry-level jobs in biomanufacturing were only requiring a certification to land jobs that pay $20-$25 an hour."

Made in Durham and Durham Tech pulled together a collaborative, which also included the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, Durham County, Durham Chamber of Commerce and the City of Durham.

The BULLS Life Sciences Academy is part of the Biotechnology Biomanufacturing Continuing Education Program at Durham Tech, and it focuses on three main areas: Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), BioWork, and Bio Certification Review.

"All three courses are completed within five months and prepare students with the skills they need to obtain entry-level positions as process technicians within biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or chemical manufacturing companies," said Telicia Hunter, Life Sciences Program Director at Durham Tech.

Through the academy, students earn a BioWork certificate and can become Certified Process Technicians, at no cost. Also, Hunter said students get the chance to network with those in the industry and interview for open positions.

The best part for the students who take part in the program is that they receive full tuition scholarships and monthly stipends of up to $1,600.

In addition, success coaches, paired with each student, provide "academic accountability and support with identifying resources that will improve their success," said Hunter.

They launched their first cohort in 2021 with five participants and four more cohorts have taken place since then, with 58 students in total completing the program. The fifth cohort started in February 2023.

NyKhaila Guy always had an interest in pharmacy tech, but after attending school for a few years was not able to obtain her pharmacy tech certification. She saw the BULLS program as a great way to get into the field as a bioprocess technician. It also provided her the opportunity to make money and learn more about the life sciences industry.

"My experience was great," she said. "I had the opportunity to learn about formulating medicine and different branches of the sector such as Occupational Safety & Health Administration and the global harmonization system for labeling chemicals."

Another recent BULLS graduate, Armond Shaw, who was serving as a temporary employee at Biogen, applied for the BULLS program after learning about the benefits.

"It was a hands-on program that gives you the basics at a rate you are able to learn," he said. "You can understand the knowledge and techniques you will see everyday if you are in this field."

Shaw, who attended North Carolina Central University, earned a full-time position as a manufacturing associate at Biogen in RTP after finishing the BULLS program, where he makes medicines.

"I was a temp, but worked hard and gained a full-time position," he said. "My advice is to pick a field where there is a lot of growth and know that you don’t have to be in a lab to work in this sector."

Once a student finishes the BULLS program, they are eligible to take North Carolina's Process Technician Certification examination. The BioWork program provides someone with a certificate of training while passing the exam provides certification, an important credential.

"It’s been an interesting mix of outcomes from the students who took part in the program. Many of the students are now interested in pursuing an advanced degree in the life sciences," Steinbacher said.

Those who have gone through the program recognize what a unique opportunity it has provided them, Steinbacher said.

"Those who have completed the program are incredibly appreciative of the opportunity but would tell you they never saw life sciences as their career path," Steinbacher said. "On their own, this is not something they would have been able to afford. So, this provides an experience they are grateful for."

While Hunter is aware there is a lot of work ahead to meet the demand for qualified workers, she is optimistic about what the academy has accomplished in a short amount of time.

"We now have a program that goes above and beyond developing a talented and diverse workforce," Hunter said. "We need to be able to continue to collaborate to offer our community residents rewarding careers and pathways into the life sciences industry. There’s a home for everyone."