Events
Students Take First Steps Toward Biotech Careers
RALEIGH, N.C. (September 23, 2026) – Wake Tech celebrated 120 future biotechnology professionals Wednesday at its annual Biotech White Coat Ceremony, where students took a symbolic first step toward careers in one of North Carolina's fastest-growing industries.
Students in Wake Tech's Biotechnology associate degree programs and BioWork non-degree training program, along with students from Wake Early College of Information and Biotechnologies, Vernon Malone College & Career Academy, East Wake High School and Knightdale High School, received lab coats donated by FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, one of the college's key industry partners.
Before family and friends at Wake Tech's Scott Northern Wake Campus, students donned their white coats and recited a professional oath, marking the start of their journeys into the biotechnology industry.
Laurie Braxton, senior vice president and site lead at FUJIFILM Biotechnologies Holly Springs, spoke about the growing demand for skilled and passionate professionals in the industry.
"This coat represents the beginning of a commitment," Braxton said, "a commitment to learning, excellence, professionalism and contributing to work that has the potential to save lives."
This marks the fourth year of the lab coat partnership, which aims to introduce students to careers in life sciences while helping build a talent pipeline for local biotechnology companies. The donated lab coats also help reduce expenses for students.
The ceremony comes as North Carolina's life sciences industry continues to expand. Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies across the Triangle are creating strong demand for skilled workers, opening doors for students interested in careers in science, manufacturing and technology.
Wake Tech has responded by expanding its Biotechnology programs, certificates, apprenticeships and workforce training opportunities. Students can earn associate degrees in Bioanalytical Lab Technology and Bioprocess Manufacturing, while accelerated training options such as BioWork prepare students for entry-level positions as bioprocess technicians and can provide credit toward an associate degree.
BioWork graduate Amber Hester shared her journey into biotechnology and described how the program helped launch a new career.
"Little did I know that the BioWork course would completely change my life," Hester said.
After spending 20 years as a biology teacher, Hester said she was ready for a change. Through the BioWork program, she completed training while continuing to teach, developing new skills, expanding her professional network and gaining confidence in a new field.
"I tell this story to say that, even though your journey may take longer than you expected, keep going," she said. "Experience is the goal."
Today, Hester works as a manufacturing support associate at FUJIFILM Biotechnologies.
Wake Tech's partnerships with local employers provide students with opportunities to gain real-world experience and connect directly with industry leaders. Through internships, apprenticeships and other work-based learning opportunities, students develop career-ready skills while helping meet workforce needs across the region.
"The knowledge and skills students gain at Wake Tech will prepare them to contribute to an industry that is transforming healthcare and creating opportunities for generations to come," Braxton said.
FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), operates facilities in Research Triangle Park and a manufacturing site in Holly Springs that is among the largest end-to-end cell culture CDMO facilities in North America.
