Adult Career Training

Career Connect:
Biomedical Careers Program and IT Careers Program

Tuition-free training for quality science and technology careers

“Just A Start has given me the chance to be with others who share the same goals and are willing to share their learning. Interactions with people from different parts of the world with different backgrounds and cultures have helped to prepare me for the real professional world. Just A Start has provided me the greater opportunity to explore and excel in this Biomedical field to make it my long-term career.”

– Jharana Joshi Shrestha, Biomedical Careers Program Class of 2018 and Senior Manufacturing Technician, Vericel

Graduates since 1992

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Average increase in income in the first year of employment post-graduation

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Job attainment rate among graduates

About the Biomedical and IT Careers Programs

The Biomedical and Information Technology (IT) Careers programs train adults for sustainable life sciences or information technology careers with a pipeline to local, high-demand employment opportunities. These programs provide education and training on workforce skills aligned with industry needs, the development of soft skills that are crucial to employers, and support services that address barriers to education, employment, and career advancement.

Each nine-month, tuition-free program includes classroom instruction accompanied by hands-on learning as well as career development training, networking opportunities with professionals and employers, and ongoing job search and Alumni Services support. Coursework takes place at Just A Start and in collaboration with Bunker Hill Community College, where program participants are able to earn college credits.

You may be eligible for the programs if you:

We encourage applicants from any educational background, career path, or national origin to apply.

How to apply:

Recruitment for the next cohort starting January 2023 has closed.

Please complete inquiry form and a staff member will be in touch with you to apply for future cohorts.

For additional questions, please contact us at 617-918-7520
or email [email protected]

A New Start: Meet A Graduate

Nirmala Shrestha was working in a grocery store while searching for opportunities for a career in technology when she heard about Just A Start from a friend. After nine months of training in the Information Technology (IT) Careers Program, she earned the distinction of class valedictorian and is now working at Santander Bank as an Escalation Specialist.

“I feel really proud and honored to be one of the participants of this program. I remember coming to Just A Start for the first day as a student – I was a little bit nervous. I had a dream, but it was not well defined. Soon, after a few months, the path was clear and visible.

I was hopeful all the time and ready to face any challenges. Shifting careers from customer service in a grocery store to an IT professional has been a paradigm shift dotted with various difficulties. It was not easy at the beginning, but it was not impossible. Attending classes, working a full-time job, and doing all those assignments on time made me so strong that now I am confident to embark on any mission.

After I finished my classes, I got an opportunity to work for Santander Bank as an IT Help Desk Specialist. I received a warm welcome and encouragement from all I met at the workplace. I understand the limited presence of women in the IT sector everywhere – probably I am a vanguard in my workplace. My request is to promote women in the field of information technology. We can make a positive difference.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What certificates or credentials do graduates earn?

The programs are offered in collaboration with Bunker Hill Community College, with students completing coursework at BHCC and at Just A Start. After completing the two semesters of their program, students are eligible for college credits at BHCC.

What kinds of jobs do graduates get?

After about 250 hours of practical training through the program, graduates are prepared to enter a variety of entry-level positions in the field!

Biomedical students graduate into roles like:

IT students graduate into roles like:

Help Desk Technicians
User Support Specialists

What kinds of companies hire graduates?

With over 400 graduates since 1992, program graduates are employed at a variety of life sciences, technology, education, and health care companies all over the Metro North region!

Employers of graduates include:

Do you have to have previous career experience in science or technology?

Successful applicants will have an interest in science or technology, but no previous experience is required. Students enter the program from a wide variety of personal and professional backgrounds.

What is the program schedule?

Students attend classes from 9:00am-2:00pm Monday-Friday for approximately nine months (January-September). Classes take place at Just A Start as well as Bunker Hill Community College.

Students receive approximately 23 hours of instruction each week, with additional homework time of up to 15 hours per week. During their time in the program, students who are also employed typically coordinate their work shifts on evenings and weekends to accommodate their class schedule.

Is there a cost for the program?

The programs are free for all students! We are committed to offering tuition-free programs so that students, most of whom are also supporting families, can access higher-earning careers without accumulating student debt or having their income be a barrier.

Just A Start partners with many corporations, foundations, and government agencies to fund the Biomedical and IT Careers Programs. Please visit our Partnership page information about supporting the programs!