Tuesday, April 15, 2025
The Government of Nova Scotia announced it is helping more Nova Scotians explore and connect to careers in skilled trades through a $10-million investment in the construction industry.
The investment will support more skilled trades training through three key initiatives:
- creating the Cape Breton Trades Exhibition Centre – an industry-led hands-on exploration and learning facility for youth, community groups and apprentices
- expanding enhanced direct-entry apprenticeship programs – faster, more accessible pathways into the skilled trades
- supporting career transitions – programs for underemployed people, veterans and new Canadians to enhance and gain skills to be ready for careers in the skilled trades.
“Nova Scotia needs more skilled trades professionals to support our growing economy and to build the homes, schools and hospitals we need,” said Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “By working with industry leaders, this investment will encourage more people to explore the skilled trades, train more people and connect them with good careers in construction.”
An industry-led steering committee will manage the project details to encourage collaboration. The committee includes representatives from key industry organizations, unions and employer groups.
“Today’s announcement is a testament to the collaboration across all sectors of the construction industry to bring forward unique solutions that are results driven. The Province of Nova Scotia is listening and truly working with us as partners. Given the interconnectedness and interdependencies of so many parts of our economy, this is the only way to achieve success. Today, we continue that work as a team for the benefits of all those who choose to call Nova Scotia home. I am proud and excited to be part of this historic moment on behalf of our industry,” said Duncan Williams, President and CEO, Construction Association of Nova Scotia and member of RenNew Canada’s Editorial Advisory Board.
The Cape Breton Trades Exhibition Centre will be the second of its kind in the province, complementing the existing centre in Halifax; there are also two mobile training centres and one mobile construction experience. The centre will feature interactive booths, training classrooms and a testing facility to enhance trades education for thousands of people.
“It is exciting to be part of the Province’s vision in supporting and enhancing programs within the construction sector. Building off the successes we’ve seen in youth engagement, career awareness and training, this investment enhances industry’s capacity to do more provincewide in the development of trades professionals for the growth of the sector. This commitment by industry and government is changing how we see construction and trades in Nova Scotia,” said Trent Soholt, Executive Director, Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council.
The enhanced direct-entry apprenticeship program will serve at least 200 new apprentices across union and non-union employers
Featured image: (L to R) Michael MacDonald, Chair of the Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council board; Michelle Bussey, CEO, Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency; Duncan Williams, President and CEO, Construction Association of Nova Scotia; Ann Sylliboy, Director of Post-Secondary Education, Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey; Trent Soholt, Executive Director, Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council; Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration; John White, MLA for Glace Bay-Dominion; and Chris Palmer, Ministerial Assistant for Labour, Skills and Immigration; and Brian Comer, Minister of Addictions and Mental Health and MLA for Cape Breton East (Province of Nova Scotia)
