New $7.2 million life sciences training centre set to open at BCIT in 2024

A new $7.2 million training centre aimed at expanding the talent pool for B.C.’s fast-growing life sciences and biomanufacturing sector is set to open next year.

The B.C. National Biomanufacturing Training Centre will be located at the British Columbia Institute of Technology and is expected to train hundreds and, eventually, thousands of highly-skilled workers to meet demand.

Establishing the centre in B.C. “will help us address the current skills shortage, purposefully prepare for the future and boost B.C.’s businesses and competitiveness,” said B.C. jobs minister Brenda Bailey in a joint statement issued by the provincial and federal governments.

The centre is expected to provide theoretical and hands-on training for more than 700 people annually by 2026.

The provincial government is providing $2 million for the facility, while the federal government is providing $5.2 million.