Charlottetown, PE – The Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) announced the launch of their reskilling program to support individuals looking to make a change and start a new career in the bioscience sector.
The CASTL Reskilling Program is a 12-week training course that will provide participants with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to join the highly innovative and rapidly expanding bioscience industry, at an entry-level position. In PEI, there are currently more than 2,200 individuals employed in the bioscience sector. CASTL Reskilling provides eight weeks of facilitated learning delivered through Holland College and four weeks of on-the-job training with local industry employers. The program was designed through a partnership that included CASTL, the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research & Training (Dublin, Ireland), and Holland College.
“The CASTL Reskilling Program will allow participants to enter the industry at an entry-level position, and set themselves up for a rewarding, successful career in life sciences,” said Christopher Gillis, Executive Director, CASTL. “We look forward to continuing the growth of CASTL Reskilling with future cohorts and expansion into other provinces to support their respective bioscience sectors.”
CASTL Reskilling participants will be introduced to a variety of topics designed to provide them with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to start a successful career in the bioscience industry including: an overview of the industry, Good Manufacturing Practice/Good Laboratory Practice, laboratory science, basic mathematics, instrumentation and data analysis, health and safety principles, and more. The inaugural cohort is currently underway at Holland College, with a second cohort scheduled to launch later in the spring.
With support from CASTL, Holland College has also hired a Reskilling Coordinator to deliver and manage the program.
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Holland College is excited about delivering another program to support the rapidly growing Biotech sector on PEI,” said Holland College President Dr. Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald. “By partnering with CASTL to deliver the Bioscience Reskilling program we are able to offer individuals an opportunity to gain key entry-level skills and receive an introduction to the Bioscience field. We are pleased to expand our support in this growing sector by delivering this targeted training. Dr. Alexander (Sandy) MacDonaldPresident, Holland College |
Funding for CASTL’s Reskilling Program is also provided by the Department of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture through the Canada-PEI labour market agreements.
“Government is always proud to support programs that help individuals develop new skills,” said Minister of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture Matthew MacKay. “When we make opportunities available to individuals, like the CASTL Reskilling Program, we not only help them build long and fulfilling careers, but also strengthen our economy.”
CASTL was developed by the PEI BioAlliance, with support from the Government of Canada, the Future Skills Centre, and the Government of Prince Edward Island. Partners include Acadia University, BioTalent Canada, Holland College, National Research Council, PEI BioAlliance, Université de Moncton, University of Prince Edward Island, as well as numerous local and regional businesses.
For more information on the CASTL Reskilling Program, and to inquire about future CASTL Reskilling offerings visit castlcanada.ca/reskilling.
