Bti's non-profit mission is to provide tuition-free training and placement assistance to unemployed area residents, who are highly motivated high school graduates, for positions as skilled and reliable lab technicians and to provide a critically needed, prepared workforce to support the growth of this economically and scientifically important industry. Bti also designs and delivers specialized laboratory programs to further train existing laboratory workers in client-specific techniques and procedures, thus affording these workers advancement in their careers.

Education , Vocational & Technical Schools

The biotechnical institute of maryland, inc. (bti) was founded in 1998 as a non-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation, to fill a need for specialty scientific training of and placement assistance for entry-level biotechnicians in maryland's rapidly expanding biotechnology industry. The bti laboratory associates program provides tuition-free training in basic laboratory skills to bright, ambitious, unemployed and under-employed residents of baltimore city. A combination of classroom instruction, hands-on training and on-the-job work experience, enables bti's successful graduates to realize employment options, while employers benefit from a stream of ready-for-hire, well-qualified lab technicians. Please see schedule o page 38 for important information on the mission and impact of bti. Bti is approved by the maryland higher education commission and recognized throughout the state as an effective workforce training provider. Bti has trained 35 cohorts, celebrates over 400 graduates and has provided specially skilled workers to 50 maryland employers. Bti's placement rate exceeds 70%. Analysis of the long-term retention rate since 1998 shows approximately 75% of bti graduates are employed or pursuing additional related education. Bti's average placement wage is $14. 20/hour plus benefits. Lives are changed, families supported and communities strengthened by the outcomes of bti's efforts. Bti's goal is to provide a bridge to opportunities for participants and their families by removing barriers between disadvantaged people and existing next economy jobs with livable wages that are unfilled due to the lack of proper training of the area's workforce. Bti graduates are qualified to fill a variety of technician positions in the life sciences industry. Graduates are also eligible for 6 credits toward an associate of arts degree in biotechnology from baltimore city community college. Bti's preparation of a trained, local workforce is a critical component of the many efforts to sustain and grow the biotechnology industry in the state of maryland. Bti skills training is a necessary ingredient to address the practical workforce development needs of our citizens. The bti model has proved its value. Additional in-depth organizational and programmatic information isavailable in schedule o supplemental information.