Ambassador Program Broadens Reach of Life Sciences Training and Employment Efforts
By Mindy Hamlin
The Life Sciences Manufacturing Ambassador Program, part of the Accelerate NC Coalition’s grant-funded programs to promote awareness and enrollment in life sciences manufacturing careers, has surpassed its goal of training 250 ambassadors in 79 North Carolina counties.
Since the launch of the program in 2023, 331 ambassadors have engaged over 14,000 North Carolinians in every county of the state. Ambassadors are trusted community leaders, including teachers, professors, business leaders and others, who help raise awareness within their communities, recruit individuals into training programs, and share information about job opportunities. 
Since the Ambassador Program started, more than 500 people have investigated or applied for open positions after having a discussion with an ambassador.
"The Ambassador Program empowers community leaders with the knowledge and tools to promote employment opportunities in the life sciences,” said Pearl Sullivan, life sciences community engagement manager at NCBiotech. “You can't get a job that you're not aware of or don't believe you are qualified for. By building a network of trusted connecters, we are raising awareness of opportunities and strengthening North Carolina's workforce pipeline.”
Onsite training helps ambassadors
Training for ambassadors were hosted by more than 25 industry partners, such as Biogen and Lilly. By being onsite, ambassadors get to experience firsthand a life sciences manufacturing environment. This deepens their understanding and enthusiasm for training and career programs for job seekers.
For Susan Kaple, career program development coordinator at BioNetwork, being an Accelerate NC ambassador has strengthened her knowledge of the sector, which she shares with her students. 
“The facility tours not only help me, but they also give our students and others interested in biomanufacturing a behind-the-scenes look at biomanufacturing processes and a better understanding of the sector,” said Kaple.
Many people begin to pursue a career in life sciences by taking BioWork, a certificate program offered at 15 community colleges across the state. The program teaches students foundational skills for a career as a process technician in life sciences manufacturing. It is a stepping stone for many to entry-level manufacturing jobs in the state.
To learn more about life sciences training and job opportunities, click here.
To learn about upcoming tours and networking opportunities, join the NC Life Sciences Career Community.