Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Community College have launched the Institute of Skilled Trades to modernize training programs and equipment for students and apprentices across the province.
The institute will receive $25 million over five years for new equipment and tools to enhance classrooms, training facilities, and workshops. An industry-led council will guide programming to align with workplace requirements and labour market demand.
The institute will support training across construction, industrial and manufacturing, motive power, and service trades. Motive power covers the repair and maintenance of motorized vehicles.
Industry leadership
“Major investments in housing, transportation, defence, clean energy, manufacturing and infrastructure all depend on a strong, highly skilled trades workforce,” said Nolan Young, minister of labour, skills and immigration. “With the Institute of Skilled Trades, we’re raising the bar – becoming the best skilled trades training institution in Canada, aligned with industry, focused on alignment to critical workplace skills, and preparing people for rewarding careers that will power our province and our country.”
Heather Cruickshanks, chair of the Institute of Skilled Trades council, said the initiative brings industry, NSCC, and government together. “The Institute of Skilled Trades will bring industry, NSCC and government together in a more co-ordinated way, helping ensure graduates and apprentices are ready to succeed on today’s job sites and into the future,” said Cruickshanks.
Governance structure
NSCC will continue to deliver skilled trades training through the institute. The NSCC board of governors retains full authority for governance and oversight.
The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency will remain responsible for apprenticeship and occupational standards, certification, and Red Seal requirements.
Don Bureaux, president of NSCC, said industry representatives will participate directly in decision-making. “This new institute will draw key voices from industry directly into decision-making to ensure programming is even more closely tied to industry needs,” said Bureaux.
Program reviews and expansion
Initial trade and program reviews began in January. Additional reviews are scheduled for priority programming throughout 2026.
Over the past year, technical training seats at NSCC increased by more than 1,000, and pre-apprenticeship seats increased by 260. The college offers more than 30 pre-apprenticeship programs.
Equipment investments will be prioritized annually based on industry input, safety requirements, and emerging technology. Responsibility for NSCC transferred from the Department of Advanced Education to the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration in December.
