by Ethan Paquet
Since 2020, The Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL), a national initiative of the PEI BioAlliance, has developed and delivered programs for learners to acquire the technical and professional skills and the theoretical knowledge to be work-ready in the bioscience sector.
This fall, in response to the increased demand for skills and training in life sciences, particularly in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, CASTL is opening a dedicated training facility in Charlottetown to provide practical hands-on training. CASTL will also be expanding across the country, with training programs in Quebec and British Columbia.
“Since the onset of the pandemic, we have really awakened to the need for domestic biomanufacturing of life-saving drugs like vaccines,” says Penny Walsh-McGuire, Executive Director, CASTL.
“By working with academic and industry partners, CASTL delivers our training programs to new entrants and industry professionals helping people be successful in their career in bioscience.”
There are three learning streams of delivery to accommodate people across all stages of their bioscience career:
- New Skilling offers training for post-secondary students who are interested in a career in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Reskilling is offered in partnership with colleges including Holland College and targets those who are unemployed or underemployed and are looking to transition into the bioscience sector from another sector.
- Upskilling offers industry employees foundational and customized training including theoretical, hands-on and e-learning in all aspects of biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
“As the exclusive provider of the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research, and Training (NIBRT) licensed training programs in Canada, CASTL is pleased to be bringing this new curriculum to our industry.”
Based in Ireland, NIBRT develops and delivers state-of-the-art training and education programs for the world’s leading biopharmaceutical manufacturing companies and partner academic institutions.
“We’re thrilled to be working with a respected global partner who is training the world’s largest biopharma companies.”
How to get involved
Individuals or companies looking to access CASTL Training programs can email [email protected]
For more information about The Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL), visit www.castlcanada.ca