Demand for skilled talent in Canada’s life sciences sector has never been higher, driven by rapid advances in biotechnology and the need for a resilient domestic supply chain. However, the sector faces a critical challenge: a significant skills gap that could limit the country’s ability to compete globally.
In response to this challenge, the Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL), in partnership with BioTalent Canada and the Future Skills Centre, has released a timely report: “Future-Ready: Developing Key Competencies for Canada’s Biomanufacturing Workforce.” Based on a survey of 50 biomanufacturing employers across Canada, this report provides actionable insights to help employers, policymakers, and educators build Canada’s biomanufacturing workforce of the future.
The Talent Gap
In its “Close-up on the Bio-economy: National Report,” BioTalent Canada revealed that by 2029, an estimated 65,000 additional workers will be needed in Canada’s life sciences sector, including 16,000 specifically for biomanufacturing roles.1
This growing demand presents two key challenges: a lack of hands-on, job-ready skills and a shortage of GMP-trained professionals. Addressing these gaps will accelerate the sector’s growth and strengthen Canada’s ability to play a key role in global life sciences innovation.
What Employers Need
The Future-Ready report reveals that employers are looking for professionals who not only have strong technical skills but can also adapt to evolving industry standards. It also identifies the competencies and training priorities that are essential for building a workforce equipped to meet the demands of Canada’s growing biomanufacturing sector.
Among employers surveyed, the most sought-after skills include:
- Good manufacturing practices (GMP): Essential for 80% of employers.
- Laboratory skills and techniques: Critical for 70%.
- Manufacturing and production techniques: Highlighted by 64%.
- Documentation and reporting: Necessary for 60%.
- Hands-on technical experience in regulated sectors: Valued by 58%.
- Quality control and assurance: Prioritized by 58%.
Bridging the Skills Gap: The Role of Hands-on Training
Bridging the biomanufacturing skills gap requires building on the solid foundation provided by traditional academic models to meet the evolving demands of the industry. Universities play a critical role in equipping students with fundamental scientific knowledge. However, employers consistently highlight the fact that while most graduates are well-versed in the science, they lack the hands-on, job-ready experience needed to thrive in highly regulated biomanufacturing environments.
To better prepare Canada’s workforce for the future, academic learning can be complemented with hands-on training in GMP-simulated environments to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application. By integrating practical training, industry-aligned programs, and simulated biomanufacturing processes, talent entering the workforce can be not just ready to learn, but ready to perform from day one.
CASTL’s Approach
Recognizing the need to address the skills gap with practical experience, CASTL provides hands-on, industry-aligned training programs that help ensure the availability of job-ready talent for Canada’s biomanufacturing sector. The organization’s approach is built around three key pillars:
1. Providing Hands-On GMP Training
Eighty percent of employers emphasize the importance of GMP training, yet many graduates lack real-world experience in these critical areas. Through GMP-simulated learning environments, CASTL equips students and professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to hit the ground running.
2. Strengthening Industry Partnerships
The report highlights the need for stronger collaboration between industry, academia, and policymakers to align training programs with workforce needs. CASTL actively works with universities, colleges, government, and industry leaders to develop customized training solutions that meet employer needs.
3. Supporting Workforce Reskilling and Transition Programs
With 16,000 new biomanufacturing jobs to fill, the industry must look beyond traditional talent pipelines. Workers from adjacent industries like pharmaceuticals, food production, and chemical manufacturing have transferable skills that can be adapted to biomanufacturing roles. CASTL offers targeted reskilling initiatives to help these professionals transition into high-demand biomanufacturing careers.
The Future of the Biomanufacturing Workforce in Canada
Insights from the Future-Ready report underscore the urgent need for investment in workforce training. With the right skills development programs, strategic partnerships, and policy initiatives, Canada can build a workforce that is skilled, adaptable, and ready to lead the future of biomanufacturing.
As Canada’s biomanufacturing training partner, CASTL is committed to closing the skills gap, supporting talent development, and driving the country’s life sciences industry forward.Ready to future-proof your workforce? Download the complete Future-Ready report and explore CASTL’s training programs today.
1 BioTalent Canada, Close-up on the Bio-economy: National Report, 2024. Available at: biotalent.ca (Accessed February 27, 2025).