Center of Excellence for
Regenerative Health Biotechnology
Distance Learning
In 2003 the Florida Consortium for Biotechnology Workforce Development (the "Consortium) was formed as a focal point for the state's biotech training and education, in response to Florida's need for well-trained biotechnicians addressed by Workforce Florida, Inc. (WFI). The goals and activities of the partners in this project have been focused on industry-driven needs for trained biotechnicians to keep Florida's workforce competitive in the expanding biotech industry. Using business and industry partnerships combined with Florida's community college system and research universities, this project identified and developed training to meet industry-based requirements for the skills and competencies of the biotechnicians of the future. The Consortium conducted industry focus groups around the state of Florida, created an industry-driven matrix of skills and competencies for biotechnicians, completed over 42 hours of web-based modules and 6 instructor-led lab based courses, beta tested online modules and instructor-led courses with both subject matter experts and target audience students.