New program offered to help transition veterans into construction trades

The Nova Scotia government is helping military veterans, reservists and their family members move into the construction sector.

In an announcement on Wednesday, the province says its new skills bridge initiative will help up to 100 people make career transitions over the next three years.

The program will be delivered by the non-profit organization, Helmets to Hardhats, which will offer training, coaching and direct pathways into apprenticeship and employment opportunities across the province.

One stream of support for the program will focus on classroom and leadership training in partnership with the Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council. Another will provide direct referrals and apprenticeship placements within the province’s construction sector.

“Nova Scotians who have served their country bring discipline, leadership and teamwork to everything they do,” says Nolan Young, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration in a release. “This program not only helps veterans find meaningful new careers, it also strengthens our workforce and helps address labour and skills shortages in construction.”

The program has a budget of $480,000 over three years.

The construction industry in the province is expected to have 8,400 retirements in the next decade, however almost as many new workers are believed to be coming into the trade.

““The construction industry is experiencing unprecedented growth with generational opportunities,” Trent Soholt, Executive Director, Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council, said. “(This) initiative will help veterans who have valuable skills and experiences connect to the industry and strengthen Nova Scotia’s workforce.

– With files from the Canadian Press