Palm Beach State chosen to create new Employ Florida Banner Center for Life Sciences

PALM BEACH GARDENS -  Developing a highly skilled workforce for Florida’s life sciences industry, including the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device sectors, is the aim of Palm Beach State College in its new role as the Employ Florida Banner Center for Life Sciences.

Selected by Workforce Florida, Inc. to establish the Banner Center, Palm Beach State College will serve as the statewide nexus for life sciences workforce education and resources. With input from industry, Palm Beach State will provide cutting-edge job training and support for Florida’s life sciences business sectors, boosting competitiveness.

Already a recognized provider of life sciences education, Palm Beach State College will create state-of-the-art, industry-driven curricula and services to be deployed statewide in training and education centers. Modules will be developed with the guidance of life sciences industry representatives with the goal of generating a pipeline of entry-level and advanced workers equipped to meet current and emerging employment demands.

“We’re thrilled and honored to join together with Workforce Florida to realize the shared goal of building a highly skilled workforce to support Florida’s expanding life sciences industry and keep it competitive on a global level,” said Dr. Libby Handel, director of Palm Beach State’s Biotechnology program and of the new Banner Center.

Critical to its success as a Banner Center, Palm Beach State will build and solidify partnerships between the life sciences business community, public and private education providers and the public workforce system, including Palm Beach County’s Workforce Alliance. Beginning in January 2011, the College will establish a statewide Industry Advisory Council that will include leaders from biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device industry sectors, as well as education partners, workforce boards and economic development agencies from across the state.

Palm Beach State will also organize statewide industry focus group meetings to determine workforce needs, delineate core competencies and skill sets for each sector, and identify industry-recognized certifications.

“Taking on the challenge of creating a Banner Center is a natural fit for the College as our biotechnology curriculum is already anchored by strong industry partnerships,” said Dr. Dennis P. Gallon, president of Palm Beach State College. “Integral to our mission is the belief that the College must reach out to all potential partners and provide programs and courses that meet evolving community and industry needs.”