Young people facing barriers to employment throughout British Columbia will have more opportunities to find jobs in the life-sciences industry.

The Province, in partnership with the Government of Canada, is funding nearly $2 million over two years to create a workforce development program for unemployed and underemployed youth from 15-30 years old.

“We want all youth to have the support they need, especially amid global inflation, increased cost of living and uncertainty from tariffs,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “So we’re funding technical skills training to give more young people the experience they need to join the growing workforce in the biomanufacturing industry.”

CASTL Elevate BC, a two-year program launched by the Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL), will provide young people, prioritizing those receiving income assistance, with technical training and hands-on experience required to succeed in the growing biomanufacturing sector.

“This investment strengthens Canada’s capacity to develop industry-ready talent for biomanufacturing and supports youth in building meaningful, future-focused careers,” said Penny Walsh McGuire, CEO, CASTL. “We are grateful for the support of both the federal and provincial governments as we expand our mission to train the next generation of skilled workers for B.C.’s bioeconomy.”

The 10-week program includes six weeks of online learning and in-person lab sessions at CASTL’s Vancouver biomanufacturing training facility, and four-week placements at leading bioscience employers throughout B.C. There they gain real-world work experience and industry connections in partnership with Life Sciences British Columbia. Participants will enhance their job prospects, while gaining skills and experience to help them in their careers.

The program is funded through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement.

Quotes:

Patty Hajdu, federal Minister of Jobs and Families. and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario –

“Every young person deserves to thrive and, today, we are opening the doors to their brighter future. By investing in skills and education for the biomanufacturing sector, we’re preparing youth to lead innovation, and building a stronger economy for the next generation. Together, we can build a stronger economy, while nurturing the talents and dreams of the next generation.”

Ravi Kahlon, B.C. Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth –

“We are committed to helping young people access training for fulfilling careers right here in B.C. Our government is investing in hands-on programs like the B.C. biomanufacturing training facility, built in partnership with the Government of Canada, CASTL and BCIT. British Columbia is home to Canada’s top life-sciences sector, and with the U.S. stepping back from investing in this sector, we have a unique opportunity to attract talent and invest in training our youth. I’m excited about this partnership and look forward to seeing our life-sciences sector and skilled workforce continue to thrive.”

Wendy Hurlburt, president and CEO, Life Sciences BC –

“Through initiatives like CASTL Elevate BC, and the efforts of our sector talent council, LSBC is committed to cultivating a strong, diverse, and future-ready workforce that will sustain and meet the needs of our rapidly growing life-sciences ecosystem for decades to come.”

Quick Facts:

• CASTL’s national research highlights a strong demand for skilled workers in Canada’s biomanufacturing sector with the majority of employers planning to hire in the next three years.
• Graduates will be prepared for roles such as: production technician, lab technician or process-development technician 
• The first cohort starts Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, with up to seven cohorts running from September 2025 to March 2027.

Learn More:

Information about Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences can be found here: https://www.castlcanada.ca/en/

Apply for the CASTL Elevate BC program here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/bcreskilling1

To learn more about WorkBC Employment services available, visit: https://www.workbc.ca/discover-employment-services