Nova Scotia has introduced amendments to the Community Colleges Act to establish the Institute of Skilled Trades (IST) at Nova Scotia Community College, backed by a five-year, $25-million investment in equipment and training infrastructure.
The amendments, tabled Feb. 24, formalize the institute’s creation and shift oversight of trades programming under a dedicated, industry-led structure. The province first announced the IST earlier in February.
What the legislation does
The amendments add the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration’s deputy minister to the NSCC board of governors and enable regulations to support the IST’s industry-led council. Responsibility for appointing NSCC’s president will also move to the Province.
The changes reflect NSCC’s transfer from the Department of Advanced Education to the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, which took place in December, to better align post-secondary training with labour market needs.
Industry leads training direction
The IST will bring NSCC’s trades programming under a single structure overseen by a council drawn from industry. The model is designed to ensure training reflects conditions on actual job sites and produces work-ready graduates in high-demand sectors including construction, industrial and manufacturing, motive power, and service trades.
“From an industry perspective, this moment really matters,” said Heather Cruickshanks, chair of the Institute of Skilled Trades Council and owner of L.E. Cruickshanks Sheet Metal Ltd. “What industry needs is simple — training that reflects real job sites, modern equipment and graduates who are ready to contribute on Day 1.”
Michelle Bussey, CEO of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, said closer coordination between the agency, training providers and industry will help apprentices and students develop the skills employers need. “Build the workforce Nova Scotia needs for the future,” she said.
Apprenticeship seats on the rise
Over the past year, apprenticeship technical training seats at NSCC increased by more than 1,000, and pre-apprenticeship seats grew by 260, according to the province.
The IST is intended to improve graduation rates, job attachment, apprenticeship progression, and certification outcomes for trades learners across Nova Scotia.
“Nova Scotia’s future depends on a strong, skilled workforce,” said Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “Guided by industry, the Institute of Skilled Trades will help ensure more people can train for good careers here at home.”
