According to research from Invest Vancouver, the Metro Vancouver region is producing world-leading science in lipid nanoparticles, antibodies, genomics, and more.
Vancouver is Canada’s top life sciences startup ecosystem, and one of the top in North America, IV’s analysis shows. It’s also rapidly growing.
“BC is home to the fastest-growing life sciences sector in the country, with BC companies earning international praise for their work on treatments, technologies, and vaccines,” says Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery, and Innovation.
2,000 companies already employ 18,000 British Columbians in the life sciences sector. Yet Invest Vancouver notes that globally ranked institutions across BC—including two dozen public post-secondary institutions—are developing the next generation of forward-thinking life sciences talent. More than 22,000 students are enrolled in academic programs related in life sciences in BC, according to data from Life Sciences BC, a not-for-profit, non-government industry association that supports and represents the life sciences community throughout the province.
Now a new labour market intelligence study will help provide a better understanding of the jobs and skills employers are looking for in BC’s dynamic life sciences sector.
The study will result in an up-to-date BC life sciences workforce profile; five-year labour demand and supply forecasts; skills training assessment; and recommendations for sector-led strategies.
“This study will help support the growth of this important sector as we take the next steps to bolster our province’s economic future and build a StrongerBC,” stated Kahlon.
The project is led by LSBC with funding provided through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement as part of the Sector Labour Market Partnerships program with the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training.
“BC’s life sciences sector is innovative, growing and is a significant part of the province’s economic recovery and growth, while also supporting health care needs,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training. “This project will support this growth through engaging with people in the sector to understand labour market needs and develop a skills training assessment and map of available and needed training to current and future labour force needs.”
The study is expected to take 11 months with input and oversight provided through a governance committee comprising industry, academic, and government members.
“The LMI project is a comprehensive tool that will leverage thorough research and consultation to create understanding of current and future workforce dynamics and labour market needs under different scenarios,” said Wendy Hurlburt, CEO of Life Sciences BC. “This data will support our sector in its ability to plan and sustain growth.”
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