Gallatin, Tennessee – May 5, 2026 – Designed for adults seeking rapid entry into high-demand fields, Volunteer State Community College (Vol State) is launching a new eight-week Biotechnology Bootcamp, offering paid training, practical lab experience, and a nationally recognized credential.
The in-person training prepares individuals for entry-level careers in biotechnology and related high-growth industries. It will run June 1 through July 24, 2026, and is open to adults who are seeking a career change, workforce reentry, or new technical skills. No prior college coursework or biotechnology experience is required.
The Biotechnology Bootcamp is offered through Vol State in partnership with CREST and Vanderbilt University. This collaboration brings together academic, research, and workforce expertise to ensure training aligns with employer demand and addresses the most pressing workforce needs. The program is designed to strengthen the talent pipeline while providing clear, accelerated pathways into meaningful careers.
“Employers are seeking workers with high-demand skills who are ready to contribute immediately,” said Ramona Yarbrough, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Volunteer State Community College. “This biotechnology bootcamp demonstrates Vol State’s commitment to addressing the most pressing workforce needs through accelerated, accessible training that connects adults quickly to meaningful careers while strengthening the talent pipeline our industries depend on.”
Classes will be held Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with instruction taking place at Heritage High School in White House and final testing at Volunteer State Community College’s Gallatin campus. Participants take part in hands-on, in-person laboratory training designed to build practical skills that local employers need, while preparing individuals to contribute immediately to the regional workforce.
The bootcamp’s earn‑while‑you‑learn model allows participants to earn up to $7,000 over eight weeks, reducing financial barriers and expanding access to high-demand training. By supporting learners while they train, the program helps develop a stronger, more resilient workforce pipeline for the region.
Upon completion, participants are eligible to sit for the Biotechnology Aptitude and Competency Exam (BACE), a nationally recognized industry credential that supports direct entry into the workforce. Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles including laboratory technician, quality control technician, biomanufacturing technician, and research assistant, with skills that translate across biotechnology, healthcare, pharmaceutical, and advanced manufacturing environments.
To learn more, visit the Biotechnology Bootcamp web page.
