OTTAWA, Ontario–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#ait–Today, BioTalent Canada opened its call for nominations for the Catalyst Award for Top New Hire. Now in its ninth year, the award celebrates the achievements of young minds who are launching their careers in Canada’s bourgeoning health and biosciences sector.
While the Catalyst Award is open to employers who have hired wage subsidy participants from all BioTalent Canada’s wage subsidy programs, recent winners, including 2023’s winner, Jade Bouchard, have come from participants in BioTalent Canada’s immensely popular Student Work Placement Program.
Jade Bouchard earned this recognition last year for her work as a co-op student at STEMCELL Technologies, a Vancouver-based biotechnology company that develops specialized cell culture media, cell isolation systems, accessory products, and scientific services that are used by life sciences researchers working in the cell therapy, cancer research, and regenerative medicine fields.
READ JADE’S WINNING NOMINATION HERE
“Canada’s health and bioscience sector is at a critical juncture when it comes to recruiting new talent,” says Rob Henderson, President and CEO of BioTalent Canada. “As the industry works to fill the 65,000 biotechnology jobs needed by 2029, we’ve seen first-hand how important work-integrated learning is in encouraging bright young minds to this essential sector. Stories like Jade’s are a testament to the power of investing in training and development of Canada’s youth and the direct impact that investment has on employers.”
READ BIOTALENT CANADA’S REPORT ON SWPP’S IMPACT IN GROWING CANADA’S BIO-ECONOMY
Entries for the 2024 Catalyst Award for Top New Hire will be judged based on the participant’s contributions to their company’s culture, sense of innovation, and any impact they had in helping their organization meet a team or company business objective or help in overcoming a business challenge.
Nominees must still be employed by their original wage subsidy employer or have participated in the 2023-2024 SWPP funding year. Nominations will be open until January 2024, with the winner announced in the spring.
“The Catalyst Award has been an important part in recognizing the contributions wage subsidy participants have made in advancing Canada’s bio-economy,” adds Henderson. “For the sector to meet the future talent demands, it’s crucial to share these stories and show what is possible for small- and medium-sized businesses when they invest in talent.”
For more information on how to submit a nomination, visit biotalent.ca/Catalyst2024.
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 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.
Recently named a Great Place to Work® and Best Workplaces in Healthcare for 2023, by Great Place to Work Canada®, as well as being listed as a Best Workplace by HRD Canada for 2023 and a 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Employer by Canadian HR Reporter, BioTalent Canada practices the same industry standards it recommends to stakeholders. These varied distinctions were awarded to BioTalent Canada following a thorough and independent analysis of the organization.
For more information, please visit biotalent.ca.
About the Catalyst Award:
Launched in 2015, the Catalyst Award for Top New Hire recognizes the impacts and achievements of young employees who are wage subsidy recipients in Canada’s bio-economy. The award grants a $1,000 prize to the young employee who has contributed most significantly to a Canadian biotechnology organization. It also spotlights employers that give young people opportunities and has previously been awarded to some of the bio-economy’s top young talent.
Contacts
Media Inquiries:
Siobhan Williams
Vice-President Marketing and Communications
BioTalent Canada
613-235-1402 ext. 229
swilliams@biotalent.ca