Youth Facing Challenges to Employment in Biotech Get Help via New Wage Subsidy

OTTAWA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, BioTalent Canada announced a new wage subsidy program to help youth facing challenges to employment gain valuable experience in Canada’s growing bio-economy. The program, known as “Career Starter,” will provide $1.87 million to help youth at risk of disconnecting from the bio-economy workforce, or who represent a demographic facing barriers to employment, such as: Canadians with a disability, Indigenous, visible minority, or a member of the LGBTQ2+ community.

Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program, Career Starter will facilitate the transition for young talent entering the labour market by increasing their knowledge of the sector’s needs through recent and practical work experience.

“With access to skilled talent remaining as one of the key pain points faced by small- and medium-sized enterprises, organizations increasingly rely on different talent sources,” says Rob Henderson, President and CEO of BioTalent Canada. “Career Starter focuses on supporting an inclusive and diverse workplace by integrating marginalized and under-represented youth into Canada’s bio-economy.”

The program provides employers with up to $20,000 in wage subsidies for three- to nine-month placements along with onboarding diversity and inclusion tools to facilitate the career placements.

“Supporting the growth of organizations in Canada’s bio-economy through a highly-skilled work force is at the core of what we do at BioTalent Canada,” adds Henderson. “We look forward to advancing the sector with this exciting new investment in talent.”

For more information on this program, or to apply, visit biotalent.ca/CareerStarter.

About BioTalent Canada

BioTalent Canada™ is the HR partner and catalyst for growth in Canada’s bio-economy. Our engagement with employers, associations, post-secondary institutions, immigrant serving agencies and service providers has built a dynamic network that is identifying labour market needs, strengthening skills, connecting job-ready talent to industry and creating opportunities. For more information visit biotalent.ca.

Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program.