Student Work Placement Program Project (2017-2024)

Objective:

Addressing the industry need to have access to a diversified skilled labour pool that is job-ready, BioTalent Canada will assist 1000 bio-economy students obtain valuable new co-ops through wage subsidies. Furthermore, by supporting partnerships with employers, universities and colleges, industry associations, and government, BioTalent Canada intends to outline opportunities for curricula augmentation to meet the current needs of the bio-economy sector. The goal of this collaboration is to improve the innovation and competitiveness of Canadian employers in the industry by having access to a diversified skilled labour pool in the form students and new graduates who have the required knowledge and tools to quickly excel in the field.

Timeline:

May 2017 – March 2024

Industry need:

Sequencing the Data, BioTalent Canada’s labour market study of Canadian bio-economy companies from coast to coast, shows that:

  • The level of education typically required for employment in the different functional areas of the bio-economy field is a university degree. A post graduate degree is necessary for most occupations requiring research, legal and regulatory affairs. However, it should be noted that many Canadian Community Colleges are providing programs in specialized training to undergraduate and post graduate students to ensure they meet the skills requirements of the bio-economy.
  • 33.2% of companies in the sector report a skills shortage among staff.
  • 40% indicate that this skill shortage is having a major negative impact on their company.

Application page

Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Student Work-Integrated Learning Program.