REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
title
Approve Contract Amendment to Biocom California Institute for Life Science Industry Workforce Services
report
BACKGROUND
The life science industry is a major driver of innovation, economic development, and job creation for the San Francisco Bay Area. The sector includes biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, surgical and medical instrument manufacturing, and medical laboratory services. The Bay Area is home to 3,741 life science establishments, 156,454 employed with an average annual wage per worker of $186,982, and $142.7 billion total economic output in 2023. The region is currently positioned as one of the most elite and active life science clusters in the world.
Over the past 12 months, the industry encountered great turbulence. It experienced both increased layoffs and a drive to find new talent channels to fuel future growth. NOVA received 39 Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) mass-layoff notices from life science companies affecting 2,622 workers. Moreover, more than half of the WARN notices occurred in the past six months.
In response, NOVA contracted with Biocom California Institute to launch an innovative program model. The contract totaled $245,000 for the period of June 28, 2023, through June 27, 2024. The program included enhancing business relationships and resources; increasing awareness of NOVA services with life science companies; upskilling NOVA customers; creating a talent pipeline between NOVA and the life science industry; and growing professional networks and mentorships through a one-of-a-kind fellowship program. The program successes included an inaugural Bay Area Life Science Career Exposition with 250 interested jobseekers in attendance; the first fellowship opportunity which launched with 20 participants; and presentations to numerous companies experiencing downsizing and layoffs. In addition, because of this partnership, NOVA has expanded its engagement with life science companies in...
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