Addressing workforce gaps with

Fermentation Technician upskilling!

RapidFermTech is a three-week rapid upskilling program to train Fermentation Technicians, particularly for employment with Industrial Fermentation companies located in Nova Scotia, Canada. Applicants will be reviewed by employers who are in need of Fermentation Technicians and are interested in hiring graduates. The Industrial Fermentation industry is growing in Nova Scotia, and as such, fermentation skills are highly sought after and enable employees to build inspiring and well-compensated careers.

Industrial Fermentation is an emerging and exciting process used to produce a range of sustainable, low-carbon and earth-friendly products. Our innovative local companies are continuously discovering applications for products created through the process of fermentation. Examples of products currently being made here include ingredients for human and animal health and nutrition, and compounds used in cosmetics, as well as dyes and pigments for the fashion industry.

The RapidFermTech (RFT) training program will be delivered in partnership with INNOV in Grand Falls, NB, and the Verschuren Centre in Sydney, NS.

The program will begin on-site at INNOV in Grand Falls, NB, on January 26, 2026, with 1 week of hands-on training*. This will be followed by an additional 2 weeks of hands-on training* at the Verschuren Centre in Sydney, NS. The hands-on component will focus on industry-relevant fermentation equipment.

Prior to the program, students will complete 40 hours of guided online content.

The RapidFermTech Upskilling program is funded by Upskill Canada, powered by Palette Skills, and the Government of Canada.

*Travel support may be available for eligible students to assist with required travel to both the New Brunswick and Nova Scotia training locations.

What is a Fermentation Technician?

Fermentation Technicians work as part of a team, supporting fermentation process development, optimization and scale-up, and producing the final products. They support product development to create new products aimed at commercial markets in sustainable biomanufacturing. Additionally, Fermentation Technicians help to maintain the equipment and utilities to ensure high levels of safety and efficiency in their facilities.

Duties include:

• Production planning
• Fermenter operation
• Equipment maintenance, repair and cleaning
• Support production scale-up planning
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving

Who Should Take This Program?

Industrial Fermentation is a novel and emerging field which is suitable for applicants with a wide range of education and experience. There are no minimum requirements for the program however, some desired qualifications and aptitudes could include:

• • • College diploma or undergraduate degree in STEM fields, particularly bioprocessing, biochemistry or biology, as well as brewing, distilling or related fields.
  • • Transferable skills from other sectors such as brewing, laboratory technicians, power engineers or oil and gas.
  • • Experience working with equipment such as pumps, valves, steam systems, etc.
  • • Experience in process operations such as food or pharmaceutical production.
  • • Laboratory experience.
  • • A history of being able to problem-solve and make improvements/optimizations.
  • • Good mechanical aptitude and ability to support maintenance in an industrial or related environment.
  • • Highly detailed and focused, enjoy working on a small team where responsibilities are shared and varied.
  • • Passionate about the environment and contributing to solutions for climate change.