The federal government is investing more than $1.5 million in skilled trades training across Nova Scotia, aiming to address labour shortages in construction, heavy industry, and emerging technologies.
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour Steven MacKinnon announced the funding Thursday, saying it will support 10 projects led by seven regional organizations. The funding will be used to purchase updated equipment and materials to train apprentices in high-demand trades, including electric vehicle repair, welding, construction electrical work, heavy-duty equipment maintenance, ironworking, and pipefitting.
“With the demand for skilled tradespeople at an all-time high, targeted investments such as these are not only critical in helping tackle the shortage of skilled tradespeople, but also in supporting good-quality jobs and helping build up our communities,” said Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament for Halifax West.
The funding comes from the federal Investments in Training Equipment program, which has supported 114 projects across the country. The goal, according to the government, is to equip training providers with modern technology to better prepare workers for jobs in industries facing labour shortages.
Brad Smith, executive director of the Mainland Nova Scotia Building Trades Council, said the funding helps unions and partner contractors maintain training centres across the province. “The Union Training and Innovation Program has allowed our unions to purchase equipment essential to training the workforce for tomorrow,” he said.
The construction industry is facing a workforce crunch, with an estimated 351,800 new workers needed by 2033, according to BuildForce Canada. More than 263,000 of those are expected to be retirees. To address the gap, the federal government has introduced multiple initiatives, including $90 million for apprenticeship placements and $10 million for programs encouraging more people to consider skilled trades careers.
The federal government says it invests nearly $1 billion annually in apprenticeship programs through tax credits, loans, Employment Insurance benefits during training, and support for the Red Seal certification program.
