ArLab, a groundbreaking healthcare, biotechnology, and life sciences career institute and workforce training facility, is proud to celebrate its one-year anniversary. This state-of-the-art facility, made possible by a collaboration between JVS Boston (Jewish Vocational Service) and Quincy College, provides students with a one-stop shop to learn, train, and become credentialed for in-demand careers with local healthcare and biotechnology employers.
Located at 122 Arlington Street in the former home of the Boston Center for Adult Education, JVS Boston and Quincy College transformed the building to ArLab, an innovative training facility.
Since opening, ArLab enrolled 823 students who experienced immersive, hands-on training experiences in fully outfitted classrooms and simulated training environments, such as a biotechnology lab, sterile processing facility, phlebotomy lab, and hospital patient rooms. Many of those students have brought the education and specialized training they received at ArLab directly into the Massachusetts healthcare and life sciences workforce at organizations in Greater Boston, including Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Hebrew Senior Life, and more.
“Going through the training program was one of the best experiences of my life,” said Justin M, an ArLab Biotechnology Manufacturing Associate program graduate. “There’s a difference between working a job just to get by and actually having a career that can take you far, that’s actually saving lives and helping people.”
ArLab is constantly expanding its program portfolio. It currently offers 10 programs, with two new career pathways launching in 2025: a prepatory Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program and Direct Care Worker training. It proudly serves diverse populations: more than 59% of ArLab students are from outside the United States, and 51% speak a language other than English.
“We are extremely proud of everything ArLab has accomplished in just one year,” said Kira Khazatsky, President & CEO of JVS Boston. “We look forward to expanding our career pathways and supporting workers of all backgrounds, while providing a critical conduit for individuals to enter and thrive in high-demand industries.”
“Without question, ArLab has fulfilled its promise as a premier regional workforce training and career institute,” said Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, President of Quincy College. “Its first year has demonstrated what two like-minded organizations can achieve when they collaborate to educate, train, and support students along pathways to fulfilling professional careers. And ArLab’s future – like that of its graduates – is extraordinarily bright.”
ArLab was made possible through generous contributions from the Massachusetts Skills Cabinet and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center. ArLab is a unique partnership between JVS Boston and Quincy College that combines deep expertise in workforce training and higher education, preparing workers to meet the immediate need for highly skilled professionals in healthcare and biotechnology. The facility has made significant strides in bridging the workforce gap in Massachusetts. For more information, please visit the ArLab website or Quincy College’s site.