The South Carolina Biotechnology Industry Organization (SCbio) is pleased to announce the launch of its first-in-kind, next-generation life sciences workforce development mobile app, undertaken at an Executive Breakfast held at the Omni Hotel on Wednesday, June 15th.
‘Rad Lab’ is designed for middle- and high schoolers across South Carolina. It is part of a workforce and career development initiative spearheaded by SCbio and select industry partners that seek to connect over 400,000 middle and high schoolers in the state, including underserved youth, to life-science careers via mobile gaming technology.
Geo-specific job descriptions, salaries, educational pathways, and inroads to life science companies are offered through engaging, career-simulated gameplay based on their whereabouts, proficiencies, and job preferences.
“This is a fish-where-the-fish-are strategy,” said Erin Ford, executive vice president and chief operating officer for SCbio. “By engaging this next generation of the workforce where they are – on their phones – via their preferred form of entertainment, we now have the ability to scale awareness, while supporting regional industry needs.”
Within the game, real-world rewards are offered and Rad Lab is able to provide virtual recruitment services through fun, free-to-play gamification for post-secondary and full-time positions.
“This is a life-changing initiative for our gifted young people in South Carolina, especially the underserved, who represent our future workforce,” added Lou Kennedy, CEO and Owner of Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation. “We see them visiting our company regularly and are inspired by their potential. That is why this was an easy initiative for us to support for the entire life science industry in the state. A win-win for all.”