CASTL Launches Fully Funded Bioscience Reskilling Program to Connect BC Youth with In-Demand Careers

Richmond, BC – August 14, 2025 — The Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) is now accepting applications for the CASTL Elevate BC bioscience reskilling program, a free initiative that equips unemployed and underemployed youth with the skills and experience needed to launch rewarding careers in BC’s rapidly growing life sciences industry. 

In just 10 weeks, participants will: 

• Gain hands-on, industry-aligned lab skills 
• Build foundational knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) 
• Complete a four-week, on-the-job placement with leading bioscience employers across the province 

What Participants Can Expect 

• Blended Training Format 
• Six weeks of online learning and in-person lab sessions at CASTL’s GMP-simulated training facility at BCIT Richmond. 
• On-the-Job Industry Experience 
• Four-week placements with leading bioscience employers across BC offer real-world work experience and industry connections. 

GMP and Biomanufacturing Skills 
Participants learn essential technical skills including: 

• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) 
• Cleanroom procedures 
• Upstream and downstream processing 
• Quality control techniques 

Pathways to Employment 
Graduates will be prepared for roles such as: 

• Production Technician 
• Lab Technician 
• QC Technician 
• Process Development Technician 
• Financial Support Available 

Through WorkBC, eligible participants may receive funding to cover transportation, dependent care, work gear, and other supports. Interested applicants should contact their local WorkBC Centre to discuss available options with a case manager. 

Designed in partnership with industry, the program provides direct pathways into high-demand roles — no previous science background required. 

Eligibility 
You can apply if you: 

• Are a BC resident under 30 years of age 
• Are unemployed or underemployed (priority given to BC Employment and Assistance program clients) 
• Hold a Grade 12 diploma (or equivalent) 
• Are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident 
• Can commit full-time for 10 weeks (CASTL training + on-the-job training) 

Space is limited to 20 participants. 

Program Start Date: First cohort begins September 15  

Apply now: http://bit.ly/4mgDRvo 

The life sciences sector in BC is expanding at a record pace, creating a critical need for skilled talent across the province. Through the CASTL Elevate BC bioscience reskilling program, CASTL is helping to fill that gap while creating career opportunities for the next generation of workers. 

About CASTL 

The Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) is Canada’s biomanufacturing training partner, dedicated to developing skilled talent to drive the country’s thriving biomanufacturing sector. With state-of-the-art, GMP-simulated facilities from coast to coast (in Charlottetown, PE; Montreal QC, and Vancouver, BC), CASTL delivers hands-on, industry-informed training alongside flexible online learning. As Canada’s exclusive provider of National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) programs, CASTL offers world-class education with support from adMare BioInnovations and its adMare Academy, shaping the next generation of life sciences professionals. 

This project is supported by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia. 

Media inquiries: 
Heidi Reinblatt 
Director, Marketing and Communications 
Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) 
heidi@castlcanada.ca