HFCC’s Biotechnology Program trains students to become biotechnology technicians in the region’s molecular biology-based industries and institutions.
By GARY J. ERWIN
Director, HFCC Office of Communications
The minute-by-minute changes in today’s industrial and corporate environments require professionals who are flexible, intelligent and ahead of the curve in terms of emerging trends and approaches to solving problems. Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn responds to these trends with in-depth programs and initiatives that provide students the ability to immediately step into career opportunities and make an instant impact.
This is key to the college, based on recent reports from the state of Michigan. According to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth (http://milmi.org/admin/uploadedPublications/1217_KeyD_Michigan.pdf), key demand occupation projections for 2012 reveal a number of areas with expected growth and career opportunities.
These areas and positions include computer and information systems, computer support specialists, industrial engineering, health care and nursing, among others. HFCC offers students unique opportunities to gain skills in these disciplines required for high-demand positions and achieve the educational experience required to transfer into university programs.
A prime example of HFCC’s ability to assist industry and prepare students for new opportunities is the institution’s Michigan Technical Education Center in Dearborn, which supports the region’s economic development by providing customized programs and services to enhance current workforce skills and provide certification for job seekers.
This program continues to make significant impact for many organizations, including the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, Detroit Workforce Development Department, Michigan Economic Development Corp., and Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services.
On a more specific level, HFCC’s Biotechnology Program works to train students to become biotechnology technicians in the region’s molecular biology-based industries and institutions. Charles Jacobs, associate dean of Science at HFCC, said the program curriculum is unique because it’s a “direct outgrowth of the technical and workplace requirements that biotechnology employers seek,” adding that through this program, “students receive critical training in new technologies and instrumentation, complimented by rigorous science content. The result is that HFCC graduates highly competent, talented professionals who can step into any company and make an immediate impact.”
In addition, HFCC’s Energy Technology-Alternative Energy program provides students in-depth study in non-traditional types of energy, including renewable/alternative energies, heating and cooling and “green” construction.
This program offers students hands-on laboratory work combined with practice theory to meet the needs of industry today. Students take courses in wind, solar and fuel cell technology, geothermal systems, renewable energy sources and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green building areas among others.
This year, HFCC received national recognition from Community College Week as one of the top 100 community colleges in the United States in awarding associate degrees to students. This report appeared June 16. With approximately 1,700 community colleges nationwide, HFCC ranked in the top 100 for associate degrees awarded overall and in associate degrees conferred upon African Americans.
HFCC also ranked among the top 50 associate degree-producing community colleges in the areas of Business and Management, Criminal Justice, Education, Nursing and Health Careers.
More information about HFCC is available at www.hfcc.edu; on Facebook, www.hfcc.edu/facebook; Twitter, www.hfcc.edu/twitter; Linked In, http://www.linkedin.com/company/264724; and on YouTube, http://www.youtube.com/user/henryfordcc.