Boston University Announces $1 Million Job Training Initiative
South End News
August 17, 2004
by Chris Orchard
Boston University President Aram V. Chobanian and Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced today that Boston University will fund a $1 million job training initiative to provide biomedical research and biotechnology job training to approximately 100 Boston residents. This new initiative will prepare Boston residents for the job opportunities created by the new laboratories being built on the medical campus including the Biosafety Laboratory and the growing biotech industry in Boston. This new BU job-training program is a major expansion of the medical center’s CityLab Academy, a nine-month curriculum that provides students with a high school diploma or GED science courses with an emphasis on laboratory research skills. Upon successful completion of the program, BU provides assistance to the graduate in obtaining an entry-level job in a medical research laboratory or biotechnology firm. “Boston University remains committed to providing educational, training and job opportunities for the residents of Boston. The job training provided by the CityLab program ensures that Boston residents will be well prepared for jobs in the new laboratories on the Boston University Medical Campus and in the expanding biotech industry in our region,” said Aram V. Chobanian, MD, President ad interim, Boston University.
“I want to thank Boston University for this ambitious effort. One million dollars will ensure that our citizens have the tools they need to compete for employment in the areas of biotechnology and biomedical research — sectors that fuel the economic engine of our city. With this training, our residents will be able to secure good jobs at competitive wages in promising fields,” said Mayor Menino. The curriculum integrates science coursework with college and job preparation. The laboratory skills training includes the basic laboratory protocols of solution making, cell culture, protein purification, gel electrophoresis and other commonly-used research techniques. The program also includes an internship in a research laboratory. “I commend Boston University’s and the City of Boston’s commitment to recognize the human resources of this community. In addition, this commitment addresses our need for new growth industries, economic development and viable educational and long-term employment opportunities. Coupled with continuing the tradition of Boston being on the cutting edge of innovation and medical research, this initiative brings us one step closer to making that tradition, today’s reality,” said Senator Dianne Wilkerson.
James Leonard, a recent graduate of the program who now works as a technician at Genzyme, said the CityLab program gave him the confidence and the skills to compete successfully in the biomedical world. “It helped give focus to my career choice and my long-term educational goals as well as access to a very rewarding career,” Leonard said. Upon successful completion of the program, students earn 12 credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Many students elect to continue their education after graduating from CityLab Academy and take advantage of their employer’s education and/or tuition reimbursement benefits. The CityLab program is free to students who are accepted into the program as Boston University covers the tuition, supplies and other expenses. The first group of students participating in this initiative will enter the program in 2005.
Since CityLab Academy’s inception in 1996, more than 50 students have graduated. Graduates are provided with job placement assistance and most entered the work force very soon after their graduation with positions at either Boston University Medical Center or at a biotech company. The starting salary for CityLab graduates is approximately $30,000. This training initiative will be an important partner with the new Biosafety Laboratory proposed at Boston University and represents an important investment by Boston University in the community. The proposed Biosafety Laboratory at Boston University Medical Center is expected to create more than 660 permanent jobs. Approximately 500 of the new jobs are positions that are important to the operation and maintenance of the laboratory and are jobs at all levels including laboratory technicians, research coordinators, custodial engineers, laboratory assistants, systems technicians, and maintenance operators. Approximately 150 of the new jobs will be scientists and researchers.