The positive impact individuals have in shaping Canada’s bio-economy is evident. BioTalent Canada is sharing their stories to help others realize the benefits of adopting IDEA into their workplace.
Enter Outbreaker Solutions’ SWPP participant and University of Alberta student Paramita Chaudhuri Basu. She was brought on to help with business development. She did that and then some. Paramita played an active role in planning and executing marketing initiatives that have built awareness of Outbreaker Solutions.
The overarching goal at Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI) is to better understand and detect cancer. The institute works hard to develop the analytical tools needed by others to pursue collective goals on a global scale. A major component to the success of ACRI, and the cancer research industry as a whole, is its ability to identify, recruit and develop highly skilled research professionals to ensure the continuation of this important work. As a non-profit organization, ACRI relies on programs like SWPP—and the funds that come along with it—to attract young, talented minds like EmmaRae.
Things were running smoothly. 3DQue was earning a solid reputation in its industry. Then COVID-19 happened, and Steph and Mateo were met with a company-altering decision. They were approached by the federal government with an opportunity that would alter the fortunes of this young start-up—and even change how it classified itself. The federal government wanted 3DQue to manufacture personal protective equipment (PPE) and swabs. There were two big obstacles ahead for Steph and Mateo and the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) was the solution to 3DQue’s dilemma.
Throughout the current pandemic, Canada's bio-economy employers have been working tirelessly to bring an end to COVID-19 through their research and innovations. BioTalent Canada highlights news and success stories from their partners, wage subsidy employers, and additional industry updates, as they unfold.
“Usually, you have HR managers looking at resumes, and they don’t have a lot of time for each one, and they’re looking for specific things that international candidates’ resumes may not have — even if they’re completely qualified,” Nate Stepner explains. “What I bring as a BioReady reviewer is the time and the knowledge to really dig into a candidate’s resume and background and draw the connections between their international experience and the requirements to work in the bio-economy in Canada.”
Fast Genetics is a Canadian company helping pig farmers maintain control costs and improve sustainability. When the firm lost a key team member, it needed to find a replacement who could get up to speed quickly with minimal training. BioTalent Canada’s BioSkills Recognition and BioReady Paid Internship programs were a powerful draw for Fast Genetics. The funding support made it possible to bring on a paid intern even with a tight budget.
Despite her highly valuable qualifications as a molecular biologist and more than a decade of experience as a researcher in infectious diseases, Rasvinder Kaur knew she might face challenges in finding a good job in her field in a foreign country. Undaunted, Kaur did some Internet research and found BioTalent Canada’s BioSkills Recognition Program. With the BioReady status and the support of an immigrant-serving agency to help her make contacts, Kaur was able to secure a paid internship with iProgen Biotech Inc.
Abhishek Udawat is not inclined to wait around for opportunities to find him. With his BioReady recognition prominently displayed on his resume and online job profile, he quickly secured a job with food bioculture company Noblegen — thanks in part to the funding of the BioReady Paid Internship Program.
Instead of focusing on what immigrants need to do to fit into the Canadian labour force, Immigrant Employment Council of British Columbia (IEC-BC) works with employers to help them understand the value of including newcomers in their organizations and make the changes required to facilitate their integration.
“If Mirexus hadn’t had access to this program, they wouldn’t have been able to hire me in the first place, BioTalent Canada has helped make my career possible.” - Ricky Ghoshal, Director of Strategic Development at Mirexus
