CHARLOTTETOWN, Prince Edward Island--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Together with the Future Skills Centre (FSC), the Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) has launched a national biomanufacturing skills and training study to gather critical labour market information and future training priorities specific to Canadian biomanufacturing. Delivered in partnership with BioTalent Canada, the project titled Knowledge and Insights for Future Proofing Biomanufacturing Training will include a national survey of the Canadian biomanufacturing industry.
“This project will gather insights for industry, educators and policymakers to ensure resources, programming, and curriculum are strategically aligned to meet the future needs of Canada’s growing biomanufacturing sector,” says Penny Walsh-McGuire, CEO of CASTL. “As Canada’s biomanufacturing training leader, CASTL is excited to initiate this project. By gathering labour market information on emerging trends specific to biomanufacturing, we are better equipped to mobilize and respond with our training and education delivery partners and stakeholder network, which ultimately helps to support our sector’s growth and capacity building through talent.”
FSC has been a critical partner in establishing CASTL, first as a regional entity and now as a national biomanufacturing skills and training organization. This six-month project provides $249,500 in funding and will allow CASTL to conduct a national biomanufacturing skills and training study working with Canadian companies to identify workforce trends, emerging priorities around training and skills development, and the introduction of new technologies and related competencies. Research outcomes will inform future training curriculums, opportunities for new partnerships, and enhanced delivery models for CASTL and other industry stakeholders.
“The need for Canadian biomanufacturing has never been greater,” says Rob Henderson, President and CEO of BioTalent Canada. “To remain competitive in this growing area, companies will need to recruit and retain people with the specialized skills to work in an ever-evolving field. BioTalent Canada is pleased to partner with CASTL on a project that will provide a blueprint for evidence-based talent development that will keep pace with the changing needs of biomanufacturing.”
In addition to the skills and training study, the project will also feature a case study that examines best practices for upskilling for new technologies in biologics manufacturing. Building on data gathered from the national study, the case study will demonstrate best practices and the return on investment for customized employer-sponsored training as well as CASTL’s techniques for training a select group of workers to transition into new process streams for facility expansion.
The project will conclude with a national biomanufacturing workshop—which will be hosted as part of BIOTECanada’s BIONATION 2024 event in Ottawa. BIONATION is a unique federally focussed policy event providing the Canadian biotech industry and government officials the opportunity to explore the sector accomplishments, opportunities ahead and the important social and economic benefit of a robust domestic biotech ecosystem. In addition to presenting findings and insights from the research and case studies, the workshop will provide a forum to further share and collectively mobilize knowledge, ideas, and recommendations to build a skilled, sustainable, and scalable workforce for Canada’s biomanufacturing sector.
“A strong and concerted commitment to long-term skills development is essential as we work to address and close Canada's skills gap,” says Noel Baldwin, FSC Executive Director. “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with CASTL and BioTalent to help future and current workers in Canadian biomanufacturing build their technical skills. This project is vital for ensuring that skills training in this growing and evolving sector remains responsive and future-proof.”
The Knowledge and Insights for Future Proofing Biomanufacturing Training project is funded by the Government of Canada through the Future Skills program.
About CASTL
The Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) is a national skills and training organization formed to address the talent needs of the Canadian life sciences sector. Specializing in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, CASTL delivers on the economic and sectoral demand for individuals who have the technical skills to enter, thrive and meet the needs of the fast-growing Canadian biomanufacturing industry. With multiple GMP-like biomanufacturing training facilities in Charlottetown, PE, Montreal, QC, and coming soon to Vancouver, BC, CASTL provides industry informed practical hands-on training, theoretical knowledge and e-learning.
CASTL is the exclusive provider of the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) licensed training programs in Canada. Based in Ireland, NIBRT develops and delivers state-of-the-art training and education programs for the world’s leading biopharmaceutical manufacturing companies and partner academic institutions. CASTL is supported by National Lead Partner adMare BioInnovations and its adMare Academy. The adMare Academy is dedicated to providing the specialized training required to foster the next generation of highly qualified personnel who will drive the growth of Canadian life science companies. www.castlcanada.ca
About Future Skills Centre
The Future Skills Centre (FSC) is a forward-thinking centre for research and collaboration dedicated to driving innovation in skills development so that everyone in Canada can be prepared for the future of work. We partner with policymakers, researchers, practitioners, employers and labour, and post-secondary institutions to solve pressing labour market challenges and ensure that everyone can benefit from relevant lifelong learning opportunities. FSC is founded by a consortium whose members are Toronto Metropolitan University, Blueprint, and The Conference Board of Canada, and is funded by the Government of Canada's Future Skills Program
About BioTalent Canada
BioTalent Canada supports the people behind life-changing science. Trusted as the go-to source for labour market intelligence, BioTalent Canada guides bio-economy stakeholders with evidence-based data and industry-driven standards. BioTalent Canada is focused on igniting the industry’s brainpower, bridging the gap between job-ready talent and employers, and ensuring the long-term agility, resiliency, and sustainability of one of Canada’s most vital sectors.
Recently named a Great Place to Work® and Best Workplaces in Healthcare for 2023, by Great Place to Work Canada®, as well as being listed as a Best Workplace by HRD Canada for 2023 and a 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Employer by Canadian HR Reporter, BioTalent Canada practices the same industry standards it recommends to stakeholders. These varied distinctions were awarded to BioTalent Canada following a thorough and independent analysis of the organization.
For more information, please visit biotalent.ca.
