Canada’s bio-economy is growing rapidly, yet small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face significant challenges in attracting skilled talent. BioTalent Canada’s Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) addresses this need by offering targeted paid internships, giving SMEs access to technical expertise and fresh perspectives from day one. With over 70% of placements in SMEs, the program supports the sector’s most innovative and resource-limited companies.
Since 2017, SWPP has delivered 16,186 placements to 2,523 employers. Employers are overwhelmingly positive, with 98.6% indicating they would participate again and 99% reporting that placements benefited their company, providing creativity, knowledge, skills, and productivity improvements.
Students also benefit from the program, with 90.2% reporting satisfaction and feeling better prepared for employment in their field. Furthermore, nearly three-quarters of students come from under-represented groups, advancing Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) within the sector. SWPP is a proven pipeline for innovation, workforce development, and long-term growth in Canada’s bio-economy.
Read the full report to learn how SWPP strengthens employers, develops talent, and drives the future of the sector.
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