Funding allows Holland College to upgrade bioscience technology program
More than $200,000 in federal funding will help bring Holland College’s Bioscience Technology program up to speed.
Program instructor Michael Gibson says the funding allows the program to upgrade lab facilities and purchase equipment needed to meet new Canadian biosafety standards and guidelines.
The college is also trying to create additional revenue from research activity from industry paying a user fee in the lab.
“Our hope is that we will start generating our own research activity that will be able to sustain the program,’’ says Gibson. The program is heading into its ninth year. Thirteen students graduated from the program earlier this year.
Gibson says more than 90 per cent of the students graduating from the program over the past seven years have found work in P.E.I. The bioscience sector continues to grow in the province, boasting more than 1,100 employees in 2013. Revenue from this sector was $124 million in 2012. Graduates of the program are starting work with income ranging from the high $20,000s to mid-$30,000s.
“They’re getting continuous, full-time employment,’’ says Gibson.
On Tuesday, a $210,000 investment in the bioscience program through ACOA’s business development program was announced at Holland College.
“Holland College’s nationally acclaimed bioscience program provides students with the advanced technical expertise desired by today’s employers in the growing P.E.I. biosciences sector,’’ says Gerald Keddy, parliamentary secretary to the Minister of National Revenue.
Holland College president Brian MacMillan notes post-secondary institutions are now more important than ever in providing a skilled labour force and fostering a culture of innovation within its students and industry partners.
“Our bioscience technology program prepares graduates to enter a highly-skilled workforce fully equipped with the expertise industry needs,’’ he says.
“This research suite and new equipment ensure that our students continue to graduate with relevant skills and enable us to partner with small and medium-sized businesses to help them enhance their innovation and commercialization ability through applied research.’’