A Career in Biotechnology
– Posted Spring 2022

While the biotech industry in Massachusetts continues to grow, so does the need for talented employees. Many companies and institutions are investing in this industry and areas that require skilled laboratory technicians and cutting-edge research positions. Our Biotechnology students who aspire to careers in this sector were eager and excited to put on their white BVT lab coats, roll up their sleeves, and explore their brand-new, state-of-the-art shop.

Transforming education is not just our tagline, it is our educational philosophy, which is deeply rooted in our culture. We are proud of our modern vocational offerings and how we’ve kept pace with rapid advancements in technology. In our new Biotechnology program, students will gain new skill sets that are applicable to exciting career opportunities in this rapidly growing industry.

Cutting the Ribbon 
With a rich history of providing our students with in-demand skills through vocational training, we officially commemorated the opening of our Biotechnology program with a ribbon cutting ceremony on December 8th.
 
The ceremony, held in the bright new shop, began with a warm welcome from Principal Anthony Steele. “It’s a pretty special day to open a new shop. It doesn’t happen every day,” said Steele. “It’s a complex process to start a Chapter 74-approved vocational-technical education program, and it takes a village to bring this all together. It’s an honor to welcome our first Biotechnology class. In our school history, these 16 students will hold this title.”

Principal Steele mentioned that the renovation was primarily an in-house project. He recognized the contributions and hard work of the Facilities team and our students, who helped transform and wire the shop at a cost-savings to the district. 

The ceremony also included remarks from Superintendent Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick and guest speaker, State Senator Michael Moore. Additionally, Vocational Director Dr. Matthew Connors (Drafting, Class of 1994), aware of the life-changing impact of his vocational-technical education, had completed the lion’s share of the initial planning and spearheaded the project. He discussed the new technology and lab equipment, the future job outlook four years from now available to students, and thanked everyone who helped make the concept of this shop a reality. "

The ceremony concluded with Principal Steele, Advisory Member Kristin Gothier, Instructor Susan Piraino, Vocational Director Dr. Connors, Superintendent Dr. Fitzpatrick, and Biotechnology freshman Isabelle Kling cutting a beautiful purple ribbon.

After the ceremony, Kallie Allen of Hopedale donned a new lab coat for a quick picture with her dad to remember the moment. She said, “As BVT’s first Biotechnology class, I am excited to set the blueprint for this program. A big thank you to everyone involved. I would not be in this shop if it weren’t for them.”

BVT is proud to continually contribute to a workforce pipeline that benefits employers, our local communities and students, and you, our alumni. If your career has shifted into the biotech industry, your expertise could help our new program thrive. Consider joining our thriving General Advisory Committee.