Read the original news release here
OTTAWA, September 22, 2020 – BioTalent Canada is expanding its successful national Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) to Canadian healthcare for the first time.
Providing wage subsidies to healthcare students builds on BioTalent Canada’s successful track record of delivering SWPP in the bioscience industry since 2017. Over the past three years, with its many wage subsidy programs including SWPP, BioTalent Canada has placed 2,650 students with biotechnology companies across the country.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating to employment in Canada, including for young people and new graduates,” said Rob Henderson, President and Chief Executive Officer of BioTalent Canada. “Enhancements to the Student Work Placement Program will ensure that young people gain valuable career experience and position them to secure meaningful employment in healthcare.”
“Ensuring a strong economic recovery depends on the success of our students and youth. Programs like the Student Work Placement exist to provide young people with the chance to grow professionally and develop new skills while working in sectors that are in line with their interests and field of study,” said Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion Carla Qualtrough. “Our Government’s investment in BioTalent Canada will go a long way in helping young students across the country gain meaningful work experience in the healthcare industry, an industry which is especially important in responding to the current pandemic.”
Since 2017, BioTalent Canada has successfully placed more than 1,600 students in work-integrated learning placements through the SWPP program with more than 350 biotech employers. With this new enhancement, BioTalent Canada will now be able to offer an additional 1,500 placements devoted exclusively to healthcare. These placements may include (but are not limited to) hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, long-term care facilities and dental offices anywhere in Canada.
Under the SWPP program, employers can receive up to $7,500 per placement in wage subsidies to hire a post-secondary student for up to a 16-week student placement opportunity. Enhancements to the SWPP program administered by BioTalent Canada include an expansion of eligibility to part-time students across Canada, and the broadening of the eligibility criteria to include healthcare workers. For more information about the program please visit biotalent.ca/Co-opFunds.
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program through the department of Employment and Social Development Canada. 
– 30 –
About BioTalent Canada
BioTalent Canada™ is the HR partner of 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 strengthening skills, connecting job-ready talent to industry and creating opportunities. Recently awarded a Great Place to Work® Certification, BioTalent Canada practices the same industry standards they recommend to their stakeholders.
Recently, BioTalent Canada was named one of Best Workplaces in Ontario for 2020 and Best Workplaces in Healthcare These distinctions were awarded to BioTalent Canada following a thorough and independent analysis conducted by Great Place to Work®. Direct feedback from employees was provided to Great Place to Work® through a staff survey.
For more information, please visit biotalent.ca.
Media Inquiries
Siobhan Williams
Director, Marketing and Communications
BioTalent Canada
613-235-1402 ext. 229
[email protected]
