JOHN ABBOTT COLLEGE
A new college-level certificate to support expertise in advanced therapies

Developed in collaboration with Pharmabio Développement, the sectoral committee for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, and with funding from the Commission des partenaires du marché du travail (CPMT), Cégep Gérald-Godin and John Abbott College are expanding their offerings with a new college-level certificate in Biomanufacturing of Advanced Therapies.

This 60-hour training program offers updated content and relies on state-of-the-art equipment to quickly train qualified personnel capable of working in regulated production environments related to advanced therapies.

"This new certification reflects our commitment to providing specialized training aligned with the evolving needs of the industry. It directly supports the development of a highly skilled and sought-after workforce while contributing to the growth of the biopharmaceutical sector in the West Island," explains Véronique Hardy, Director of Continuing Education and Corporate Services at Cégep Gérald-Godin.

Offered in French by Cégep Gérald-Godin and in English by John Abbott College, this course ensures linguistic coverage tailored to the realities of the region's biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

"Building a skilled biomanufacturing workforce is vital to Greater Montreal's economic growth. Our Advanced Therapies Certificate meets the industry's urgent need for talent especially in aseptic techniques by combining academic expertise with real-world operational demands. Together with Cégep Gérald-Godin, we're delivering practical, industry-aligned training that strengthens Montreal's life sciences ecosystem and supports Québec's biomanufacturing future," adds Sylvie Boucher, Business Outreach Manager at the Centre for Continuing Education at John Abbott College

In addition, employees working in the pharmaceutical sector may be eligible for a wage subsidy offered by the Commission des partenaires du marché du travail (CPMT), allowing for the reimbursement of a portion of wages during training, leading to a college certification recognized by Québec's Ministry of Higher Education. This measure provides a concrete lever to accelerate workforce upskilling while minimizing financial impact on organizations.

We invite companies in related sectors to recommend employees for registration and to share the information within their teams.

The cohort begins on April 8 at Gérald-Godin and April 15 at John Abbott College.

To register for the French-language course at Cégep Gérald-Godin, click here. To register for the English-language course at John Abbott College, click here. 

About Pharmabio Développement

Pharmabio Développement is the sectoral workforce committee for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Its mission is to support workforce skills development and recognition by fostering collaboration among employers, educational institutions, and industry partners. Through its initiatives and partnerships, Pharmabio Développement actively contributes to ensuring the availability of a qualified workforce essential for the growth and innovation of the sector.