UBC’s SBME partners with CASTL, CIEBH and BCIT to offer new hands-on training opportunity in biomanufacturing.
The University of British Columbia’s School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) is partnering to launch a new hands-on training opportunity in biomanufacturing that will help students gain practical skills for careers in B.C.’s rapidly growing biotechnology and life sciences sector.
For the first time, students in SBME’s Introduction to Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing training program will be offered a hands-on learning option at the new BC Biomanufacturing Training Facility — a state-of-the-art GMP-simulated facility located at the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s Richmond campus and operated by the Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL).
The facility, developed with support from the Province of British Columbia, is part of a coordinated effort to strengthen Canada’s domestic biomanufacturing capacity and talent pipeline. It is designed to provide trainees with practical, hands-on learning experiences by replicating the processes, workflows and manufacturing methods used to produce vaccinations, antibody therapies and other biopharmaceutical products.
The facility was built to meet the unique needs of B.C.’s biomanufacturing sector, including RNA innovation and nanotechnology, enabling learners to acquire skills that are applicable to the local ecosystem.
SBME’s Introduction to Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing training program is a partnership-driven initiative delivered by CASTL and in collaboration with the UBC-led Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub (CIEBH) and the UBC-BCIT Biotechnology Program. It aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to be part of the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and biotechnology workforce.
The program was custom-built by CASTL based on the National Institute of Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) curriculum, which is recognized internationally as a leader in providing industry-informed skills and training in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and bioprocessing.
The program is open to students completing their third year of undergraduate studies at SBME. In addition, registration is open to trainees affiliated with the UBC-BCIT Biotechnology Program and CIEBH, a UBC-led initiative that has brought together a coalition of partners to accelerate the development and manufacturing of lifesaving medicine in Canada.
For more information about the program, please contact danielle.walker@ubc.ca.
Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation (JEDI) —
“B.C. is home to the fastest growing life sciences and biomanufacturing sector in Canada with over 2000 life sciences companies employing 20,000 people. As the sector continues to grow, it’s critical B.C. students are ready to take advantage of all the opportunities this sector has to offer. The partnerships between CASTL and B.C.’s world-class post secondary institutions like UBC and BCIT will ensure that strong B.C. talent will be ready to join our growing knowledge economy.”
“Building Canada’s biomanufacturing talent pipeline requires partnership at every level — between universities, industry, and government. This program reflects SBME’s commitment to preparing our students to lead in a rapidly evolving bioeconomy.”
Penny Walsh-McGuire, CEO, Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) —
“CASTL is proud to partner with UBC to deliver industry-informed training for a fourth consecutive year. This collaboration has been instrumental in advancing British Columbia’s life sciences workforce, and we’re thrilled to expand our impact through hands-on training at our new BC Biomanufacturing Training Facility. We are grateful for the trust our partners place in us and remain committed to equipping learners with the practical skills needed to support the continued growth and success of BC’s life sciences sector.”
Dr. Michelle Wong, Senior Director, Research, UBC Faculty of Medicine and Executive Director, Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub (CIEBH) —
“Developing the next generation of talent for Canada’s life sciences sector is core to CIEBH’s mission. We’re proud to work alongside SBME, CASTL, and BCIT to deliver this unique learning opportunity for students — connecting classroom learning with industry-informed skills development.”
“This program reflects the strength of collaboration between UBC, BCIT, and CASTL in preparing students for careers in BC’s growing life sciences sector. Through the UBC-BCIT Biotechnology Program, our students are gaining access to industry-informed training — both online and hands-on — that will help them build skills for future employment in biomanufacturing”