The Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) has partnered with the Future Skills Centre (FSC) to conduct a national study on biomanufacturing skills and training in Canada. The six-month project, funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills program, aims to gather critical labour market information and identify future training priorities for the biomanufacturing industry.
The study will involve a national survey of Canadian biomanufacturing companies to determine workforce trends, emerging training needs, and the impact of new technologies on skills development. The research findings will inform future training curriculums, partnerships, and delivery models for CASTL and other 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.”
Additionally, the project will feature a case study on upskilling for new technologies in biologics manufacturing, showcasing best practices and the return on investment for employer-sponsored training. The study will also demonstrate CASTL’s approach to training workers to transition into new process streams.
The project will culminate in a national biomanufacturing workshop at BIONATION 2024 in Ottawa, where findings and insights will be presented and discussed. The event will provide a forum for industry stakeholders to share knowledge, ideas, and recommendations to build a skilled and sustainable workforce for Canada’s biomanufacturing sector.
