BioTalent Canada, the go-to source for labor market intelligence, has recently launched the Skilled Newcomer Internships for the Bio-economy program.

The new program was introduced to provide employers with funds to integrate IEPs (internationally educated professionals) and skilled newcomers into the Canadian bio-economy. This $2.9 million project will help bio-economy employers significantly access skilled individuals.

The program, funded in part by the Foreign Credential Recognition Program of the Government of Canada, will offer employers a 75% of the salary of a participant to up to $20,000 for a 3 to 9-month job placement.

As per the statement made by BioTalent Canada’s CEO and President, Rob Henderson, the new Skilled Newcomer Internships for the Bio-economy program can be considered a vital resource for an industry that has been relying heavily on arm’s-length recruitment and antiquated human resources, which limit the talent pool.

He added that IEPs and newcomers account for only 26% of the industry that is facing a shortage of over 65,000 workers by the end of the decade, as per the National LMI (Labor Market Information) study.

Notably, the new program will address obstacles faced by IEPs and newcomers across Canada and provide participants with significant access to the BioSkills Recognition Program after completing the placement. They will also be granted free enrolment in Technical Skills Fundamentals and Essential Skills training of BioTalent Canada.

According to Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, it is highly essential to attract talent from across the globe to boost Canada’s economic growth and address labor shortages. In line with this, they are making an investment in BioTalent Canada to provide skills development and job opportunities to newcomers across the regional science sectors.

The new program will run through October 2023 and is targeting to place above 165 IEPs and newcomers with medium- and small-sized enterprises across Canada.

Source credit:

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220123005019/en/New-National-Wage-Subsidy-Will-Integrate-Skilled-Newcomers-Into-Canada%E2%80%99s-Bio-economy