UBC SBME and CASTL Expand Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Training to Strengthen B.C.’s Talent Pipeline

May 08 2026

UBC SBME and CASTL Expand Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Training to Strengthen B.C.’s Talent Pipeline

Now in its fifth year, the partnership-driven program gives students applied, hands-on experience at CASTL’s cGMP-simulated BC Biomanufacturing Training Facility.

VANCOUVER, B.C., May 8, 2026 — The University of British Columbia’s School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) is proud to announce the continued delivery of its Introduction to Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing training program, a partnership-driven initiative preparing students for careers in Canada’s growing biotechnology and life sciences sector.

Now entering its fifth year, the program continues to expand its impact by equipping learners with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving and highly regulated industry.

Delivered by the Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL), the program is offered in collaboration with Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub (CIEBH), the UBC-BCIT Biotechnology Program, and with support from the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation (JEDI). Together, the partners are helping build British Columbia’s biomanufacturing workforce of the future.

A proven hands-on training opportunity in B.C.’s biomanufacturing ecosystem

Building on previous years, students in the program will now have the opportunity to gain two days of practical, hands-on experience at the BC Biomanufacturing Training Facility, CASTL’s state-of-the-art, cGMP-simulated training facility located at BCIT’s Richmond Campus.

Developed with support from the Province of British Columbia and JEDI, the facility is part of a coordinated effort to strengthen Canada’s domestic biomanufacturing capacity and talent pipeline.

Partner quotes

Dr. Peter Zandstra, Director, UBC School of Biomedical Engineering

“Building Canada’s biomanufacturing talent pipeline requires partnership at every level — between universities, industry, and government. This program reflects SBME’s ongoing commitment to preparing students to lead in a rapidly evolving bioeconomy.”

Penny Walsh-McGuire, CEO, Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL)

“CASTL is proud to partner with UBC to deliver industry-informed training for a fifth consecutive year. This collaboration continues to play a critical role in advancing British Columbia’s life sciences workforce, and we are proud to provide hands-on training opportunities that prepare learners for real-world cGMP environments.”

Dr. Michelle Wong, Executive Director, Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub (CIEBH)

“Developing the next generation of talent for Canada’s life sciences sector is core to CIEBH’s mission. We’re proud to continue working alongside SBME, CASTL, and BCIT to deliver this unique, applied learning opportunity.”

Sarah McLeod, Program Head, Biotechnology, BCIT

“The BC Biomanufacturing Training Facility represents a significant investment in applied learning infrastructure in BC. BCIT is pleased to support this collaborative initiative by hosting hands-on training that brings together learners from across the province.”

Maija Duffy, Executive Director, Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation (JEDI)

“Strengthening BC’s biomanufacturing capacity starts with building local talent. This partnership demonstrates how collaboration across academia, industry, and government continues to create meaningful opportunities in high-growth sectors.”

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, shaping the next generation of life sciences professionals.