CREST

The Coalition Responsible for Equitable Skills Training (CREST) team offers transformative adult pivot experiential learning programs to quickly and seamlessly enter the Biotechnology and Life Sciences workforce. This training equips participants with theoretical and hands-on experience to meet the needs of professional competencies in emerging biomanufacturing technologies. CREST works with industry and community partners to customize curricula to company-specific needs and to recruit local talent to meet and attract the increasing workforce demand to fulfill those industry roles.

Participants in this program will receive $20 an hour for the duration of the bootcamp. Applications for this bootcamp are now open.

Program Duration - 4 weeks, March 3rd - 28th, 2025

Applications for this session have now closed.

Biotechnician Bootcamp Program

About

Duration - 4 weeks, March 3rd - 28th, 2025
Through the Coalition Responsible for Equitable Skills Training (CREST), this Biotechnician Bootcamp offers a transformative adult pivot experiential learning program to quickly and seamlessly enter the Biotechnology and Life Sciences workforce for people who may previously have little to no biology background. The CREST program is investing in the professional development of the community to support the growth and success of the biotech industry in Tennessee. Accepted fellows will learn through theoretical and hands-on experience to meet the professional competencies for entry-level roles in emerging biotech. This bootcamp will be 4 weeks from March 3-28th of dedicated training scheduled daily, Monday through Friday, from 9am - 4pm. Participants in the program will receive $20 an hour for the duration of the bootcamp for the personal investment needed in this upskilling opportunity.
Click here to apply for the 2025 Cohort!
Eligibility Requirements

Eligible applicants must have a high school degree or equivalent certification and be 18 years of age or older. Additionally, candidates cannot have drug related felonies or crimes of dishonesty on their records. We are intentionally seeking an inclusive cohort of a diverse mix of passionate trainees including those from minority or disadvantaged backgrounds. We strongly encourage applicants from those groups with or without prior biology knowledge.
Learn More

To inquire about this program, email Gisele Calderon at gisele.a.calderon@vanderbilt.edu

News Highlight

CREST initiative gets grant to energize workforce development, economic growth through regional cross-sector collaborations

The National Science Foundation has awarded a $1 million grant to an initiative born of the Wond’ry, Vanderbilt’s Innovation Center, the Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization and key regional stakeholders. The groundbreaking CREST (Coalition Responsible for Equitable Skills Training) initiative is designed to connect industry, academic and community partners to craft workforce development programs that stimulate economic progress for all.

Program Support

Funding for this paid training bootcamp is provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Award 2322341.