September 05, 2024 02:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time

BioTalent Canada Takes Steps to Future-Proof Canadian Bio-Manufacturing With Certification

OTTAWA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BioTalent Canada announced a new project, with extended funding from the Future Skills Centre, to develop cleanroom skills certification for Canadian bio-manufacturing. This will ensure that employers in this field are empowered to assess and recognize skills in the labour market and eliminate mismatches.

“But, with over 16,000 bio-manufacturing professionals needed by 2029 to meet the bio-economy’s talent demands, employers must identify and train the necessary skills now.”

This project, funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Program, continues BioTalent Canada’s previous work in understanding the value of cleanroom certification for the predominantly small- and medium-sized organizations that make up Canadian bio-manufacturing.

“Ensuring Canada is prepared for future pandemics has created renewed energy in building capacity in Canadian bio-manufacturing,” says Rob Henderson, President and CEO of BioTalent Canada. “But, with over 16,000 bio-manufacturing professionals needed by 2029 to meet the bio-economy’s talent demands, employers must identify and train the necessary skills now.”

Activities for this project includes:

Comprehensive research into the development of a practical assessment for certification
Interviews and a focus group of bio-manufacturing employers across Canada
Consultations with subject matter experts in certification design and assessment

The success of this project will help employers build a pipeline of qualified talent with the industry-validated cleanroom competencies needed to sustain a vital sector facing increased demands.

“While the 2021 budget announcement of $2.2 billion to implement a bio-manufacturing and life sciences strategy will help establish Canada as a global leader in the discovery and production of life-saving medicines,” adds Henderson, “without qualified talent to fill in-demand roles, these efforts may prove fruitless.”

"By investing in industry-recognized training, we are taking steps forward to build a skilled workforce that drives the future of bio-manufacturing in Canada," says Noel Baldwin, executive director of the Future Skills Centre. “Preparing particularly small- and medium-sized businesses with the tools to cultivate the right skills will help power the innovation and growth we need.”

For more information on how BioTalent Canada’s research identifies industry needs visit biotalent.ca/LMI.

Rob Henderson is available for comment.

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^® for 2024 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 2024 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.

About the 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. We are founded by a consortium whose members are Toronto Metropolitan University, Blueprint, and The Conference Board of Canada, and are funded by the Government of Canada's Future Skills Program.