The Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL), in partnership with the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT), has launched a catalogue of online courses offering immersive and interactive biopharmaceutical manufacturing training to help Canadian companies and their employees develop and strengthen their skills. A cost-effective and efficient way to access interactive learning, the CASTL Online Academy offers more than 60 industry-focused modules developed in response to a recognized demand and regularly updated with new content.
“CASTL is committed to offering virtual and in-person skills and training solutions that are relevant and responsive to the needs of industry across Canada. CASTL’s leading-edge programs and curriculum will help address the critical and growing gap in the talent pipeline for Canada’s biomanufacturing industry,” said Penny Walsh-McGuire, Executive Director, CASTL. “This pandemic has triggered massive investment in the rebuilding of Canada’s biomanufacturing sector, increasing demand for skilled employees. CASTL is pleased to be a part of the solution.”
CASTL Online Academy courses consist of modules spanning 45-90 minutes in length, and the learning platform is easily accessible from a computer, tablet, or smartphone, anywhere at any time.
Remarking on the launch, NIBRT CEO Darrin Morrissey commented, “The CASTL Online Academy, powered by NIBRT, will help Canada address the shortage of a skilled workforce, which is a key bottleneck in global biopharma and bioprocessing manufacturing. We are very much looking forward to helping CASTL support the career development of students, recent graduates, and entry/mid-level management working in bioprocess manufacturing and associated industries.”
The CASTL Online Academy offers courses in the following areas:
Overview of Biopharma Manufacturing
- Filtration and chromatography
- Upstream processing
- Downstream processing
- Formulation, fill-finish, and aseptic processing
- Cell and gene therapy
- Quality risk management
- Facility design and utility
CASTL conducted a highly successful pilot of the NIBRT Online Academy (NOA) in Canada with BIOVECTRA, one of North America’s leading contract manufacturers of pharmaceutical ingredients and biologics. The pilot demonstrated the value of using online academy courses to increase efficiencies, minimize trainees’ time away from production activities, and provide valuable learning opportunities.
“Through CASTL’s Online Academy, biopharmaceutical manufacturers across Canada will have access to relevant training that is built to meet the needs of industry. We were thrilled with the results of the pilot program as employees at BIOVECTRA strengthened their knowledge base and performance. We intend to build the CASTL online academy curriculum into our onboarding process for new hires and into our upskilling program,” said Lester Wood, Vice President, People and Corporate Culture, BIOVECTRA.
Clients can purchase individual CASTL Online Academy courses or secure bulk purchases with significant volume licensing discounts.
Visit CASTL Online Academy at coa.castlcanada.ca/learn
