SANFORD - Eight students recently earned certificates in the Central Carolina Community College BioWork program.

BioWork is a certificate program which can lead to an entry-level position as a process technician. Students learn the foundational skills needed for a career with a biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or chemical manufacturing company.

The July 21 graduates are Tina Blue (Sanford), Olympia Brooks (Sanford), Eula Brown (Cameron), Sharon Campbell (Sanford), Treva Marsh (Lillington), Gloria Peoples (Sanford), Brandon Singh (Sanford), and Jasmine Street (Sanford).

Dr. Lisa Smelser, CCCC Lead Instructor of Biotechnology Programs, says of this class: "This cohort possesses significant manufacturing experience, leadership, and a passion for helping people. I look forward to seeing them thrive in the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry."

Smelser notes that the BioWork course benefits a wide range of experiences with a similar career goal to work at a biopharmaceutical company to make life-saving medicine.

It is anticipated that 15 more students will earn the BioWork certificate on Aug. 13.

Tina Blue, of Sanford, was among the graduates. She says she chose to participate in the BioWork program because she was ready to steer her future in the direction of growth and stability. "Industry forecast and projections in this field are expected to grow over the next 10 years. I felt that this industry and the growth within the industry over time made it an excellent industry to pursue," said Blue.

"What I enjoyed most about the BioWork course is how the course educates you on the foundations of bioprocessing and assists you in understanding how the products of bioprocessing and biopharmaceutical impact your life."

"BioWork offers a unique opportunity for students at CCCC to engage in a curriculum that provides first-hand knowledge in a vastly emerging and important field," said Felicia R. Crittenden, CCCC Associate Dean, Workforce Development & Continuing Education. "Students pursuing this program will gain the skills required to compete in a high tech field and secure a comfortable living wage with various companies within the CCCC service region and beyond."

CCCC has three BioWork courses scheduled for the fall. Two of the courses will be held at CCCC Lee Main Campus in Sanford starting Aug. 17 with one class having lab Thursdays from 1:30-5:20 p.m. and the second class having lab Thursdays from 6:30-10:20 p.m. BioWork will be offered at the CCCC Harnett Health Sciences Center in Lillington starting Oct. 19 with labs twice per week on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-12:50 p.m. Learn more or register for the classes at www.cccc.edu/ecd/find-classes/index.php?PublicationDepartment=Industrial/Manufacturing.

BioWork is an excellent entry into the CCCC Bioprocess Technology degree program. The Bioprocess Technology curriculum is designed to prepare individuals to work as process operators in biological manufacturing facilities like the biopharmaceutical industry. To learn more about the CCCC Bioprocess Technology program, visit www.cccc.edu/curriculum/majors/bioprocess.

Learn more about the BioWork program at www.cccc.edu/biowork.

For further information on the Biowork or Bioprocess Technology programs, contact Dr. Smelser at lsmel436@cccc.edu.