Protein Industries Canada Funds New Training Program to Close Food Sector Skills Gap

Protein Industries Canada has committed $760,000 to fund a new skills training program developed in partnership with BC Food & Beverage, UBC Faculty of Land and Food Systems, and Cultivated Food Labs. The program aims to address the shortage of skilled workers in Canada's food production and value-added agriculture sector, with a total project value of $1 million. The initiative focuses on talent development, combining academic coursework with applied technical training and industry mentorship to bridge the gap in the workforce.

The program will run in a modular, blended-delivery format over four to twelve weeks, accommodating both students and working professionals. The collaboration between BC Food & Beverage, UBC's Faculty of Land and Food Systems, and Cultivated Food Labs aims to drive value-added innovation and competitive advantage in the industry, supporting the development of talent needed to meet challenges and opportunities across the food value-chain. Overall, the initiative seeks to contribute to the growth of Canada's plant-based food, feed, and ingredient sector, while addressing the workforce gap in the food and agriculture industry.