New Program Breaks Employment Barriers in Biotech for Young Canadians

OTTAWA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Young Canadians will get a step up in avoiding potential cost of living challenges in Canada’s biotech industry with the Career Starter program, announced today by BioTalent Canada. Youth facing barriers to employment will gain valuable skills, work experience with small- to medium-sized businesses and a foot in the door of a potential long-term career in a vital industry.

Supported by the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program, Career Starter equips young Canadians with opportunities to secure sustainable employment. This program addresses the urgent workforce needs of the bio-economy while reducing the barriers that hinder economic participation.

With the Canadian bio-economy anticipating a shortfall of 65,000 workers by 2029, the Career Starter Program provides employers with a vital link to skilled talent critically under-represented in the sector.

“The Career Starter Program helps young Canadians who are challenged in entering the workforce by equipping them with meaningful skills development opportunities in this exciting industry,” says Rob Henderson, President and CEO of BioTalent Canada. “By connecting small businesses with this talent, economic growth is driven, critical skills gaps are addressed and Canada’s bio-economy remains innovative and competitive on the global stage.”

VIDEO: Find out how Career Starter helped MEMOTEXT gain a competitive edge

Employers participating in the Career Starter Program can receive up to $20,000 in employer support, helping them address urgent workforce needs and strengthen their operations. The program offers the following benefits to participating employers:

• Access to Employment Support: Receive up to 60% of a youth’s salary, to a maximum of $20,000, for a three- to nine-month placement.
• Improved Productivity: Integrate job-ready youth into teams, enhancing efficiency and output.
• Wrap-Around Services: Access essential and technical skills training, mentorship and onboarding tools, including diversity and inclusion resources.
• Economic Growth Contribution: Play a critical role in strengthening Canada’s bio-economy and driving innovation in a competitive global market.

“For many young Canadians, breaking into a new industry can feel like an uphill battle—especially if they’re facing systemic barriers. That’s why programs like Career Starter are so important,” says The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth. “They don’t just open doors; they give young people the skills, experience, and confidence to walk through them. At the same time, small businesses in the bio-economy get the talent they need to grow and innovate. It’s a win-win that strengthens our workforce and supports our economic growth."

This program enables small businesses to grow efficiently while creating meaningful career opportunities for young Canadians and addressing skills shortages across the sector.

"Access to skilled talent continues to be a major challenge for small and medium-sized enterprises, prompting many organizations to turn to various talent sources," continues Henderson. "Career Starter is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce by helping integrate marginalized and underrepresented youth into Canada's bio-economy."

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

Are you ready to strengthen your workforce and build Canada’s future economy? Contact Soufiane at [e-mail].

Rob Henderson is available for comment.

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

About BioTalent Canada

BioTalent Canada supports the people behind life-changing science. Trusted as the go-to source for labour market intelligence, BioTalent Canada guides bio-economy stakeholders with evidence-based data and industry-driven standards. BioTalent Canada, as a workforce development council, is focused on igniting the industry’s brainpower, bridging the gap between job-ready talent and employers, and ensuring the long-term agility, resiliency, and sustainability of one of Canada’s most vital sectors.

BioTalent Canada has received varied distinctions following thorough and independent analyses of the organization. By practicing the same industry standards it recommends to partners, the organization has been honored with the following titles:

• The Best Leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the 2024 Best Ottawa Business Awards
• 2024 Collaboration Catalyst by Magnet Network Great Place to Work^® for 2024 and Best Workplaces in Healthcare for 2023 by Great Place to Work Canada^®
• Best Workplace by HRD Canada for 2024
• 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Employer by Canadian HR Reporter for 2024

For more information, please visit biotalent.ca.

About Career Starter

Career Starter helps youth facing barriers to employment transition to the bio-economy labour market. Barriered youth includes, but is not limited to, Canadians with a disability, Indigenous, visible minority, or a member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. The program provides employers with up to 60% of a youth’s salary to a maximum of $20,000 for a three- to nine-month placement. It helps employers adopt a diverse and inclusive work culture while satisfying a need for skilled labour. To learn more visit biotalent.ca/CareerStarter.