N.S. government to launch Institute of Skilled Trades with NSCC

The Nova Scotia government is working with the Nova Scotia Community College to launch the Institute of Skilled Trades.

The Nova Scotia government is working with the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) to launch the Institute of Skilled Trades (IST), which aims to provide students and apprentices with modern training and equipment.

The province said the IST will provide training for students in the construction, industrial, manufacturing, motive power – the sector responsible for the repair and maintenance of motorized vehicles – and service trades.

The province is spending $25 million over five years to support the institute and purchase new innovative equipment and tools to enhance classrooms, training and workshops across Nova Scotia.

“Industry needs training that keeps pace with modern workplaces, technology and the skills we need,” said Heather Cruickshanks, chair of the Institute of Skilled Trades Council, in a news release.

“The Institute of Skilled Trades will bring industry, NSCC and government together in a more co-ordinated way, helping ensure graduates and apprentices are ready to succeed on today’s job sites and into the future.”

The 15 members of the Institute of Skilled Trades Council will help shape the programs so they align with today’s workplace requirements, evolving skillsets and labour market demand.

“This new institute will draw key voices from industry directly into decision-making to ensure programming is even more closely tied to industry needs,” said NSCC President Don Bureaux.

“There are tremendous opportunities for economic growth on Nova Scotia’s near horizon. Graduating students that are job-ready with the skills employers need, as they’re needed, supports student success and is a central part of delivering on our mission to build our province’s economy and quality of life through education and innovation.”

The province noted the number of technical training seats at NSCC increased by more than 1,000 over the past year, while pre-apprenticeships seats increased by 260.

It also said responsibility for the NSCC transferred from the Department of Advanced Education to the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration in December to “better align post-secondary training with workforce development and labour market needs.”

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page