BC Food & Beverage and partners launch new training program

Protein Industries Canada, BC Food & Beverage (BCFB), the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Cultivated Food Labs (CFL) are collaborating to help develop and deliver a new skills training program.

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.

“Canada has plenty of potential to make more from what we grow, providing families across the country with more made-in-Canada food options, but part of reaching that potential is ensuring the sector is supported by a strong workforce,” Protein Industries Canada CEO Tyler Groeneveld said. “By addressing the current skills gap, this training program will help new workers better transition into the sector, strengthening not just their companies’ growth opportunities, but also Canada’s opportunity in the global market.”

The program will help provide students and professionals looking to expand their job opportunities with specialized knowledge and industry networks.

“BCFB is very excited about this collaborative partnership with UBC and Cultivated Food Labs to develop a skills training program that encompasses both academic and technical training,” said James Donaldson, CEO of BC Food & Beverage. “Working together, we hope to drive value-added innovation and competitive advantage in the industry.”

The program will be delivered with a modular, blended-delivery structure, over a four- to 12-week period, helping ensure accessibility for students and working professionals across the food production and value-added agriculture sector. A total of $1 million has been committed to the project, with Protein Industries Canada committing $760,000 and the partners together committing the remainder.