Dayton, OH- The Miami Valley Tech Prep Consortium (MVTPC) will host "Re-Tooling the Miami Valley Workforce – The Bio Way" on Thursday, November 20, 2008.

Over 200 high school and Sinclair Community College biology students and their instructors are invited to learn about the expectations and contextual learning skills needed for new manufacturing employment in the Miami Valley. The event will take place in Charity Earley Auditorium (building 12) beginning at 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

In the near future, 700 new jobs will be available in the combined pharmaceutical, diagnostic and medical device manufacturing sector. These positions will require STEM (science, technology, engineering & math) skill sets to successfully compete for the new work force of pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Employees will be expected to integrate the academic skills of math, communication and science technology with the soft skills of reliability, team work, excellent attendance and a strong work ethic.

Representatives from Amylin, in West Chester, Eurand, located in Vandalia, and Wilmington-based Alkermes will be a part of a panel discussion at the event. The panel will focus on the specific new workforce skills necessary for the success of their Miami Valley businesses.

Biotechnology students in Tech Prep programs at eight school districts located in the vicinity of these companies will take part in this economic impact program facilitated by BioOhio and the MVTPC/Sinclair Community College. Bill Tacon, Senior Director, Workforce & Education of BioOhio will chair the panel composed of Brad Hughes, Human Resources Director at Amylin, Pete Ercoli, General Manager of Eurand, and Mike Deperro, Director of Manufacturing at Alkermes.

For more information, contact David McDaniel, Biotechnology Pathway Manager at MVTPC/Sinclair Community College by phone at 937-512-2407.