Biotechnology Workforce Initiatives The growth of the life sciences industry in South San Francisco has led to the development of biotechnology workforce initiatives such as the Skyline College Bio-Manufacturing Partnership, an intensive certificate program that prepares highly skilled bio-manufacturing workers for jobs at Genentech. Launched in 2002 by Genentech, Skyline College, and the San Mateo County Workforce Investment Board (WIB), the program has proven very successful, with 90 percent of participants completing their training and 80 percent receiving job placement upon completion.

The three-month program features 204 hours of instruction (9 units of college credit) developed by Genentech and Skyline College, in addition to 12 weeks of on-the-job training subsidized by Genentech and the San Mateo Workforce Investment Board. Identification of targeted jobs at Genentech is offered, in addition to targeted recruitment and assessment to Genentech standards. The program is coordinated with the San Mateo County Central Labor Council.

The partnership demonstrates Genentech's commitment to support workforce development initiatives that ensure the economic vitality of our communities. It received recognition from the California Community College Association for Occupational Education for Excellence in Partnership and the Department of Labor (DOL) for "Building An Industry/Business-Driven Workforce Investment System" at their National Conference in July of 2005. The Center for Workforce Development noted that the program has proven to be so successful for Genentech that the model is being studied and replicated throughout California and the United States.