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Crest Program

The Coalition Responsible for Excellence in 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.

Program Duration - 4 weeks (Check back for upcoming dates).

Biotechnician Bootcamp Program


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

    Through the Coalition Responsible for Excellence in 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.

    Participants in the program will receive $20 an hour for the duration of the bootcamp for the personal investment needed in this upskilling opportunity.

  • 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 a cohort of passionate trainees from all backgrounds.

    We strongly encourage applicants from all populations, with or without prior biology knowledge.

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

We thank the Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (VINSE) for use of their state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities. Below are images of fellows visiting an ISO 5, Grade A cleanroom, donning the corresponding gowning.