BioTalent Canada’s Student Work Placement Program (SWPP)

Connecting students and employers in the bio-economy 

BioTalent Canada provides support, connections, and resources for employers, job-ready workers, and post-secondary students in the bioscience and healthcare industry. They have various programs and courses available for professional development and for building foundational skills. The Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) bridges the gap between post-secondary students and employers in the bio-economy. The program is a paid work-integrated learning initiative that provides employers with funding to cover wages when they hire a post-secondary student. 

Pamela Gray, BioTalent Canada’s Vice President of Program Development, says, “When we’re talking with employers, they express that students who have just graduated from post-secondary institutions aren’t ready for and/or don’t necessarily meet the needs of the employers right away. This program brings context to what the student is learning and brings it into the workplace. The Student Work Placement Program really helps students get hands-on experience in real organizations.” When they complete their studies, the program participants will be more job-ready and have the skills and experience employers are looking for. 

The Student Work Placement Program brings many benefits to students and employers of the bioscience and healthcare industry.  

• 16,186 Total placements throughout Canada 

• 98% of employers indicate they would use the program again 

• 96% of student participants say that they’ve gained experience that will help them in the workplace after graduation 

• 96% of employers would continue a collaborative relationship with a post-secondary institution 

Students who participate develop essential skills in digital, technical, AI and soft skills. They can become familiar and comfortable with hands-on work while also earning an income. Gray says, “The relevant skills and knowledge can be added to the student’s resume and are desirable for future employment. Students are also able to start connecting and networking within their field of study.” The opportunity to build lasting relationships can be beneficial during and after students’ post-secondary studies.  

The Student Work Placement Program is an opportunity for students to experience what their career will look like following graduation. Gray says, “This gives them a realistic preview of what the work looks like within an organization and pivot early in their academic studies.” Post-secondary students can apply multiple times during their studies, which can be with the same or different employers. The program is open to more than just S.T.E.M. positions. Other areas of the bio-economy, like marketing or human resources, can participate.  

The financial benefits of the SWPP to employers are easy to identify. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) drive innovation in Canada’s bio‑economy, but often face barriers to recruiting skilled talent due to limited resources. The program allows them to hire a student at a reduced cost, as it provides 50% their wages, up to $5,000. 

The benefits to employers go beyond financial, however.  Often, students come with new perspectives, such as new techniques and skills that the employer is not aware of. They gain access to emerging talent while staying connected to what’s currently happening in their fields at the post-secondary level. Employers can also connect with and build relationships with academic and post-secondary institutions. University participation in SWPP is especially strong, helping translate academic research into applied bioscience innovation. This was the main goal of the program to promote collaboration and relationships between employers and academic institutions. 

The program builds workforce development and strengthens innovation within the industry. Gray says, “In Canada, 200,000 individuals participate in the bio-economy in general. By the end of this year, we will have had 20,000 individuals go through SWPP. That’s 10% of the bio-economy having participated in the program.” This means that a large portion of the industry will have had the opportunity to learn and build foundational skills as they are just entering their career. 

Students interested in participating in the program must find a placement before the application process starts. The employer then applies through BioTalent Canada. Applications are open year‑round, and employers may apply for one or multiple placement terms at the same time. While applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, they are prioritized by term. The program is accepting applications until the end of August for the fall and winter terms.