On Feb. 14, 2023, the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced $14.5 million in funding for two projects with the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). BCIT received over $5.2 million in funding to create a National Biomanufacturing Training Centre. The Province of BC contributed $2 million.

The investment includes over $9.3 million through the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative and over $5.2 million through the Regional Innovation Ecosystems Program to help BCIT establish new training programs in the aerospace and life sciences sectors.

This facility will provides training, professional development and talent for biotech companies in B.C. and across Western Canada. This investment was expected to see more than 700 people trained every year once operational and produce highly-trained personnel for in-demand jobs.

B.C., and Canada as a whole, are also facing skills shortages in the biomanufacturing sector. However, industry-recognized hands-on training is not offered in Western Canada, which can limit Canada’s ability to attract talent and compete globally.

For that reason, BCIT is receiving over $5.2 million in funding to create a National Biomanufacturing Training Centre. The Province of BC is also contributing $2 million. This facility will provide training, professional development and talent for biotech companies in B.C. and across Western Canada. This investment is expected to see more than 700 people trained every year once the centre is operational and produce highly-trained personnel for in-demand jobs.