BCIT receives over $14.5M in funding to support aerospace and life sciences training
by CM staff
The Government of Canada is investing in projects that will address skills shortages, fuel inclusive economic growth and jobs.
British Columbia Institute of Technology receives over $14.5 million in funding to support aerospace and life sciences training (Photo: CNW Group/Pacific Economic Development Canada)
VANCOUVER — The Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced $14.5 million in funding for two projects with the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT).
The investment includes over $9.3 million through the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative and over $5.2 million through the Regional Innovation Ecosystems Program to help BCIT establish new training programs in the aerospace and life sciences sectors.
“The first step in building long-term prosperity is tackling short-term labour shortages. The projects being announced today will deliver the trained, talented employees our biomanufacturing and aerospace sectors need to innovate and grow,” said Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada.
The B.C. aerospace industry is facing labour shortages, especially for employees working in maintenance, repair and overhaul. To address the industry’s need for skilled workers, BCIT is receiving over $9.3 million in funding to launch a hands-on training program for gas turbine maintenance, repair and overhaul in the aerospace sector. This investment is expected to create 160 new jobs and generate an additional $360 million in revenue in British Columbia by 2027.
BCIT is receiving over $5.2 million in funding to create a National Biomanufacturing Training Centre. The Province of BC is also contributing $2 million. This facility will provide training, professional development and talent for biotech companies in B.C. and across Western Canada. This investment is expected to see more than 700 people trained every year once the centre is operational and produce highly-trained personnel for in-demand jobs.
“B.C. is home to Canada’s fastest growing life sciences sector, which will need hundreds and eventually thousands of new, highly skilled employees to continue expanding,” said Brenda Bailey, B.C.’s Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “Establishing the Training Centre here in B.C. is part of our Stronger BC’s Future Ready commitment. It will help us address the current skills shortage, purposefully prepare for the future and boost B.C.’s businesses and competitiveness.”
