The Greenspring Bioinnovation Hub has launched RapidFermTech – a rapid upskilling program designed to address a shortage of Fermentation Technicians in Nova Scotia. In partnership with the experts at INNOV and the Verschuren Centre, this 8-week program focuses on developing hands-on fermentation skills, increasing access to talent and creating new, well-paying and highly skilled jobs in this growing sector.
Industrial fermentation is an emerging and exciting field built around highly innovative companies that produce a range of sustainable, low-carbon products such as human and animal nutrition, cosmetics, dyes and pigments for the fashion industry, and more.
The bioeconomy is poised to be a leader in Canada’s economy and has a unique opportunity to upskill those from other sectors, such as brewing, power engineering or oil and gas. Industrial fermentation has many similarities to those sectors, offering a unique opportunity for those seeking to grow or diversify their career to move into the bioeconomy.
Rod Badcock, Executive Director, Greenspring Bioinnovation Hub
The RapidFermTech program will deliver a customized, focused curriculum, taking an industry-led approach to ensure the concepts and skills developed are aligned with industry needs. Participants will receive technical training, both virtual and hands-on, with industry-representative equipment at both INNOV and the Verschuren Centre. This program will be unique in Canada, not only strengthening local industries but also attracting international companies, creating an ‘anchoring’ effect where Nova Scotia and Canada become a preferred location for their operations.
At Innov, we take pride in providing a dynamic space where research and development blossom. We are thrilled to contribute to the development of skilled professionals who will shape the future of bioeconomy with their newfound knowledge and passion.
Josée Landry, Manager Innov – Bioeconomy Division, Collège Communautaire du Nouveau Brunswick
RapidFermTech is accepting applications from industrial fermentation employers and potential trainees interested in working in this sector. Trainees may be existing employees of fermentation employers who are upskilling into a new position or new hires with transferable skills desired by industrial fermentation companies. New applicants will be connected with employers, who will select the applicants they wish to interview, sponsor and enroll. Employers may also choose to extend conditional job offers, providing trainees with employment upon finishing the program.
We’re honoured to host two cohorts of students at the Verschuren Centre, allowing students to get hands-on experience with large-scale bioreactors over their four-week training period. This program is a crucial step in fostering growth and investment in Nova Scotia’s bioeconomy sector.
Beth Mason, Chief Executive Officer, Verschuren Centre
Candidates for training come from a wide range of education and experience backgrounds. For example, they may possess a college diploma or undergraduate degree in STEM fields, particularly bioprocessing, biochemistry or biology, as well as brewing or related fields. Desired candidates may also have transferable skills from other sectors, such as laboratory technicians, power engineers, or oil and gas workers, working with equipment such as pumps, valves, steam systems, and so forth.
Graduates from this program will play an important role in helping DeNova reach its potential as an early-stage protein startup with significant opportunity for growth and job creation. The Greenspring team has taken an industry-first approach with RapidFermTech, from course development and delivery to recruitment and hiring, and we are pleased to have been involved from the beginning.
Brianna Stratton, Chief Executive Officer, DeNova Inc.
Development and delivery of the RapidFermTech curriculum has received financial support from Upskill Canada, powered by Palette Skills, in collaboration with the Government of Canada, the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, the Greenspring Bioinnovation Hub, and contributions from employer partners.
To learn more about RapidFermTech, including how to register as an employer or trainee, please contact Ryan Duff, Program Manager, Greenspring Bioinnovation Hub, at ryan@greenspringbio.ca.
