This summer, youth in Nova Scotia will have the opportunity to explore careers in the skilled trades through free, interactive camps funded by the provincial government.
Engaging youth in skilled trades
Youth aged 12 to 15 can attend the week-long camps, which focus on construction, industrial/manufacturing, and cooking sectors. The camps, held in partnership with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), and various community partners, aim to provide hands-on experience, safety training, and career exploration.
“Introducing youth to the skilled trades at such a young age is an excellent way to shape the future of Nova Scotia’s workforce,” said Jill Balser, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “These summer camps are a great way for youth to learn hands-on and gain exposure to practical skills while exploring career paths in the skilled trades before starting high school.”
Camp details and locations
The camps will take place in July and August at several NSCC campuses, including Akerley (Dartmouth), Annapolis Valley (Middleton), Burridge (Yarmouth), Digby Learning Centre (Digby), Institute of Technology (Halifax), Pictou (Stellarton), and Strait Area (Port Hawkesbury). The first camp will be held from July 8-12 at the Pictou campus.
This initiative is part of a $1.25-million investment over the next two years, following a $100 million announcement in October 2023 aimed at recruiting, retaining, and training more people in skilled trades. The government seeks to modernize the apprenticeship and trades qualification system to meet the needs of Nova Scotia’s growing labour market.
“Young people are the future of Nova Scotia’s workforce,” said Michelle Bussey, CEO of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency. “Exposing them to practical skills and hands-on learning is a great way to generate awareness among their age group. We hope these fun exploration camps spark an interest in participants and that they consider a rewarding career path in the skilled trades.”
Don Bureaux, President of Nova Scotia Community College, highlighted the importance of these opportunities: “The college is pleased to support new opportunities for youth to explore an important field of study and determine if it might shape their future.”
Omolara Ogunbosi, Executive Director of The Africadian Empowerment Academy, emphasized the community impact: “These camps provide an invaluable opportunity for our youth to explore and develop their talents in the trades, empowering them with practical skills and inspiring confidence for their future careers. We believe this initiative will have a lasting positive impact on our community.”
Quick facts
- Participating youth will have access to approved personal protective equipment.
- Community partners supporting this project include Africadian Empowerment Academy, Black Educators Association, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia, LOVE Nova Scotia, MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning, Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey, Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council, Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network, and Skills Canada – Nova Scotia.
These camps offer a unique opportunity for youth to gain practical skills and explore potential career paths in the skilled trades, contributing to the future of Nova Scotia’s workforce.