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Group of university students touring a food product development lab.

Workforce Development

From students to professionals: developing the future of food

A thriving food system depends on a skilled workforce. Our Workforce Development team is committed to building that foundation by setting clear educational standards and implementing targeted programs for all learners.

We set the benchmark for training in sustainable protein food technologies, ensuring that students and professionals receive the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. Our curricula are designed for everyone, from K-12 students exploring science to industry professionals seeking to upskill. Ultimately, our goal is to create a dynamic, highly-trained workforce ready to innovate.

Our programs are designed to create tangible outcomes:

  • Skills Mapping: Ensuring our training programs are directly aligned with what the industry needs.
  • Curriculum Development: Creating specialized courses for academia and industry.
  • Sustainable Protein Undergraduate Research Scholars (SPURS): Giving undergraduate students critical research experience and professional development training.
  • Innovation and Tech Translation: Equipping students and professionals with the skills to explore various pathways for commercializing new technologies.
  • K-12 Outreach: Inspiring the next generation of sustainable protein scientists and innovators.
  • Knowledge Hub: Providing go-to resources and tools for the entire community.
Students learning from a career panel during a visit to Novonesis, one of our industry partners
Group of college aged students standing in a row.
The Bezos Center’s first-ever SPURS cohort
Co-Director Bill Aimutis prepared ISE 489/589 students for their tour of the NC Food Innovation Lab facility in Kannapolis, NC.