New life sciences training centre opening at BCIT

A new first-of-its-kind training centre is coming to the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) with the goal of training people for jobs in life sciences.

In a news release from the B.C. government, it says the B.C. National Biomanufacturing Training Centre (NBTC) will help people “get skills for jobs in life sciences and biomanufacturing, supporting companies to help address some of the world’s most pressing health-care challenges.”

“B.C. is home to Canada’s fastest-growing life-sciences sector, which will need hundreds and eventually thousands of new, highly skilled employees to continue expanding,” B.C. Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Brenda Bailey said.

“It will help us address the current skills shortage, purposefully prepare for the future and boost B.C.’s businesses and competitiveness,” Bailey added.

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The government adds that over the next few years, the new centre will help equip hundreds of people to enter the workforce.

“By 2026, the NBTC is expected to provide training for more than 700 people annually, further positioning the province as a world leader in life sciences with highly skilled workers,” it says.

Selina Robinson, the Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, says the centre also supports the Future Ready Plan.

“This new centre will provide opportunities for greater collaboration between students, industry, teachers and researchers, while providing hands-on training for students and helping industry and employers to access the skilled workforce they need,” she said.

The centre is expected to open in the spring of 2024, with programming starting that summer.