Province invests millions to boost skilled trades training

Nova Scotia is attempting to grow skilled trades in the province through a $10 million investment specifically in the construction industry.

In a press release, the government is planning on supporting training through three initiatives. The first is the creation of the Cape Breton Trades Exhibition Centre, which helps youth and apprentices have hands-on experiences. This will be the second of its kind in the province. Officials say it should “complement” the existing centre in Halifax, which has two training centres.

The government plans on expanding direct-entry apprenticeship projects to bring more skilled trade workers on. Another program benefiting from the boost includes a career transition project, which helps connect underemployed people, veterans and new Canadians to job opportunities through training.

The province says it should serve at least 200 new apprentices across union and non-union employers.

“Nova Scotia needs more skilled trades professionals to support our growing economy and to build the homes, schools and hospitals we need,” Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration, said.

A committee made up of industry organizations, unions and employer groups will manage the distribution and details of the funds.

“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,” Young said.

Builds on previous investments

According to provincial officials, Nova Scotia needs about 11,000 new certified trade professionals by 2030, or about 1,000 annually. Currently, the province is bringing in about 615 tradespeople a year, a shortfall of about 38 per cent of what’s needed

Aside from shortages, Nova Scotia also has a problem retaining people who begin the certification process. Only 43 per cent of people who start an apprenticeship complete the various levels of training and achieve certification. Officials hope to reach a retention rate of 60 per cent, which would be among the highest in Canada.

Trent Soholt, chair of the board of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, said that with major projects planned, such as the hospital redevelopments in Halifax and Sydney, N.S., the need to increase the labour pool over the next 10 years is evident.