As Canada works to reach its full opportunity to do more with what it grows, there’s an increasing need to train and produce skilled workers across the food production and value-added agriculture value-chain. Today, to help address this need, Protein Industries Canada is announcing a new project with BC Food & Beverage (BCFB), the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Cultivated Food Labs (CFL), to develop and deliver a new coordinated skills training program.
Canada’s ability to Make More Here presents an opportunity to unlock $25 billion in GDP and upwards of 17,000 new innovation-based jobs. BCFB, UBC and CFL are combining their expertise to ensure enough skilled talent is ready to fill these jobs, providing companies across Canada with the workforce needed to help reach new growth potential and new markets.
“A strong and resilient agri-food sector depends on a highly skilled workforce,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. “Through the support of Protein Industries Canada, one of Canada’s Global Innovation Clusters, this project will help small and medium-sized businesses access critical training and skills development opportunities, empowering workers and supporting long-term industry growth. By investing in Canadian talent and innovation, we are strengthening the competitiveness of our agri-food sector and ensuring Canadians continue to benefit from a sustainable, dynamic, and future-ready food economy.”
Aimed at Canadian SMEs across the food production and value-added agriculture sector, the program will combine academic coursework, applied technical training and industry mentorship, addressing gaps in skills training identified through industry stakeholder consultations. It will reduce reliance on outsourced expertise, supporting faster product development cycles and an increase in innovative job creation across Canada.
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