Abiomed, Salem State University and North Shore Community College Host First-Ever Life Sciences Career Seminar for Veterans

DANVERS, Mass., June 4, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The MedTech and BioTech Veterans Program (MVP) announced today it will host the Boston area's first-ever Student Veteran Re-careering Seminar for alumni and student military veterans interested in pursuing careers in the life sciences.

MVP is a newly-expanded nationwide initiative designed to provide returning veterans with the resources, skills and confidence necessary to achieve fulfilling careers in the life sciences, and to ensure employers have access to this diverse and talented pool of employees.

The day-long seminar, held in partnership with leading medical device company Abiomed, Salem State University and North Shore Community College, includes a variety of career-training and mentoring opportunities in the medtech and biotech fields for student service members, veterans and graduates.

"Many jobs in the medtech and biotech fields do not require advanced degrees," said Mike Grice, Chief Operating Officer of MVP, and a veteran who fought multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. "What these industries do need are dedicated individuals who have a strong work ethic, can lead others and make good decisions in a variety of environments - skills veterans are especially adept at meeting. MVP makes it easier for companies to hire former servicemen and women who can hit the ground running from day one, and that is why events such as these are so valuable."

During the workshop on June 17^th, participants will have access to one-on-one mentoring, industry specific training, e-learning enrollment, and personal interaction with mentors and human resources professionals in the medical device industry. The medical device industry offers careers in a variety of areas such as project management, supply chain, quality control, human resources and many other fields. Area companies interested in employing veterans will also participate in the workshop.

"The medical technology industry continues to be one of the fastest growing fields in the nation, offering tremendous opportunities for our returning military veterans to achieve meaningful and successful careers," said Michael Minogue, chairman, president and CEO of Abiomed, chairman of MVP, and a veteran of Desert Storm. "Massachusetts has thriving biotech and medtech industries, and MVP is an extraordinary program that connects businesses to a talented and skilled workforce. We're thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with Salem State University and North Shore Community College on this first-of-its-kind event."

"Salem State University is known for its strong support of military veterans and active service members, and MVP offers a unique venue for private companies to access this tremendous workforce," said Dr. Patricia Meservey, President of Salem State University. "Our university offers a variety of educational pathways for students wishing to pursue careers in the life sciences, and we're pleased to partner with MVP to help them learn more about careers in these industries."

MVP has set an ambitious goal of bringing 5,000 veterans into the life sciences industry by 2018, and 1,000 veterans per year after that — all funded by participating companies in the industry and at no cost to veterans. The population of military veterans in the United States is expected to grow by another million during the next six years.

"It's critical that our veteran students have the opportunity to learn more about the wide variety of positions in these fast growing industries, and to hear from business leaders who have built successful careers in them," said Dr. Patricia Gentile, President of North Shore Community College. "North Shore Community College has a long tradition of providing education and training to veterans, and community colleges are ideally suited to develop the skilled workforce necessary to meet the needs of the biotech and medical technology industries."

The MVP Student Veteran Re-careering Seminar will take place at North Shore Community College's Danvers campus on June 17 beginning at 8 a.m. Space is limited, and to apply, please visit http://www.mvpvets.org/mvpvets-event-interest-form.

About MVP

The MedTech and BioTech Veterans Program (MVP) is a nationwide career-training and mentorship initiative designed to help military veterans transition into successful and fulfilling careers in the medical technology, biology technology, life sciences and diagnostic industries. Since its inception in 2010, MVP has grown to include more than 500 veterans and  industry mentors. It has set an ambitious goal of bringing 5,000 veterans into the life sciences industry by 2018, and 1,000 veterans per year after that — all funded by participating companies in the industry and at no cost to veterans. For more information, please visit www.mvpvets.org.