BioHub Maryland, Platoon 22 Partner to Reskill Military Veterans for Life Sciences Careers
FREDERICK, MD – January17, 2023 – BioHub Maryland, an initiative to accelerate the state’s life sciences industry, is partnering with Platoon 22, a non-profit dedicated to ending veteran suicide through successful reintegration, to reskill and upskill military veterans for rewarding careers in the life sciences industry. BioHub Maryland is an initiative of the Maryland Tech Council, the largest technology and life sciences trade association in the state.
Finding and training talent to meet the workforce needs of Maryland’s growing life sciences industry is critical. The state is home to one of the nation’s strongest life sciences ecosystems, with more than 2,700 companies and 54,000 workers contributing $20 billion to the state’s economy and delivering life-changing medical treatments to the world.
BioHub Maryland and Platoon 22 will partner to offer military veterans access to training in the skills life sciences employers value most. This includes BioHub Maryland’s online skills academy that teaches the fundamentals of the industry, such as biomanufacturing concepts, cell and gene therapy and vaccine manufacturing fundamentals, quality control skills, technical writing, and data analysis. Beginning in 2024, BioHub Maryland will also offer state-of-the-art lab space where trainees can gain competency-based, “learn by doing” biomanufacturing training.
“Maryland’s life sciences companies value mission-driven problem solvers who understand logistics, teamwork, and other skills learned in the military,” said Michelle Ferrone, Chief Operating Officer of Maryland Tech Council. “Our partnership with Platoon 22 will enable more veterans to upskill or reskill into the life sciences industry, where they’ll find a new mission fighting medical conditions such as cancer, Muscular Dystrophy, diabetes, and rare diseases.”
By taking advantage of BioHub Maryland’s resources, veterans gain a competitive edge, relevant skills, and ability to add immediate value in a life sciences workplace.
“Just under 400,000 Veterans live in the state of Maryland and 70 percent of those Veterans live within just 60 minutes of the Veterans Service Commission,” said Niki Falzone, Director of Operations and Veterans Services for Platoon 22. “The population is there to serve, and Platoon 22 is dedicated to aiding in successful transition and reintegration. Employment and a sense of belonging are major barriers identified in the transitional phase. The partnership with BioHub allows for Veterans to find gainful employment and continue a life of service in an industry that requires the unique skillset they possess.”
Military veterans can learn more at biohubmaryland.com or contact the team at info@biohubmaryland.com.
Anyone can pursue a rewarding career in life sciences, regardless of their background or education level. Some of the most in-demand life sciences careers, such as manufacturing technicians and lab technicians, do not require advanced degrees or bachelor’s degrees. Life sciences incomes in Maryland are also significantly higher than the statewide average for all industries, according to a 2021 Milken Institute report.
About BioHub Maryland
BioHub Maryland is accelerating the life sciences industry for companies and career seekers to expand the state’s global innovation advantage. An initiative of the Maryland Tech Council, the largest technology and life sciences trade association in the state, BioHub Maryland helps residents of all backgrounds pursue rewarding careers in life sciences by offering skills training, career resources, and access to 1,200+ job openings in life sciences. BioHub Maryland also helps life sciences companies at every stage grow by showcasing their career opportunities, training the next generation of life sciences talent, and providing strategic resources for raising capital. Learn more at biohubmaryland.com and follow on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
About Platoon 22
Platoon 22 is dedicated to ending veteran suicide through the successful reintegration of service members and their families by assembling critical resources, providing peer support, and developing transitional programs. Learn more at platoon22.org or follow on LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram.
Media
Henry Fawell
Campfire Communications
henry@campfirecomm.com