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Green Economy Jobs Supported by New BioTalent Canada Wage Subsidy Program

July 16, 2019 Off By BusinessWire

OTTAWA, Ontario–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#HR–Today, BioTalent Canada announced the launch of a new wage subsidy to support biotech companies in Canada’s green economy. Along with growing small- and medium-sized enterprises, the new wage subsidy will help young talent initiate their careers in an emerging sector.

Funded in part by Natural Resources Canada, the Science and Technology Internship Program—Green Jobs will provide youth with work experience (via internships and training) in natural resource sectors related to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) jobs.

“Wage subsidies like this not only help drive innovation in an increasingly competitive sector but will also facilitate the transition of youth into the labour market and increase their knowledge of the sector’s needs through recent and practical work experience,” says Rob Henderson, President and CEO of BioTalent Canada.

This new wage subsidy program will help place over 50 youth within natural resource-based STEM jobs linked to the green economy, while minimizing the risk to small- and medium-sized biotechnology companies hiring Canadian youth into STEM jobs by covering the cost of a new hires’ salary by 50% to a maximum of $15,000/year.

“According to BioTalent Canada’s recent report, Green Crossovers, the biotechnology sector is establishing itself more and more into Canada’s emerging green economy,” adds Henderson. “As the Canadian bio-economy continues to grow and expand into these new sectors, helping organizations overcome the challenges involved in hiring and retention is becoming more important.”

With its focus on natural resources, the Science and Technology Internship Program will help agri-biotech, bio-energy and bio-industrial companies with the onboarding and training of young innovators.

“The Government of Canada continues to support green initiatives that strengthen our economy and protect our environment as we transition to a low-carbon economy,” says the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources. “We are proudly investing in the next generation by equipping our youth, including under-represented groups like women and Indigenous peoples, with valuable, hands-on work experience in natural resource-based STEM jobs.”

The Science and Technology Internship Program—Green Jobs is only one of several wage subsidy programs currently managed by BioTalent Canada. Companies interested in applying are encouraged to visit biotalent.ca/programs for more information.

About BioTalent Canada

BioTalent Canada™ is the HR partner and catalyst for growth in Canada’s bio-economy. Our engagement with employers, associations, post-secondary institutions, immigrant serving agencies and service providers has built a dynamic network that is identifying labour market needs, strengthening skills, connecting job-ready talent to industry and creating opportunities. For more information visit biotalent.ca.