NSCC launches skilled trades institute with province of NS
From the Springboard Content Lab
Springboard member Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) is launching the Institute of Skilled Trades (IST) to provide students and apprentices with modern training and equipment to develop the skills employers need – today and in the future.
The initiative is a partnership with the Province of Nova Scotia.
The institute and skilled trades training at NSCC will be guided by an industry-led council that will improve training quality, transform learning environments and support more graduates and apprentices move into meaningful, in-demand careers.
Nolan Young, NS Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration, announces skilled trades institute
“Major investments in housing, transportation, defence, clean energy, manufacturing and infrastructure all depend on a strong, highly skilled trades workforce. With the Institute of Skilled Trades, we’re raising the bar – becoming the best skilled trades training institution in Canada, aligned with industry, focused on alignment to critical workplace skills, and preparing people for rewarding careers that will power our province and our country.”
– Nolan Young, NS Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration
Aligning trades education with deman
The new institute will be supported by a five-year, $25-million investment for new innovative equipment and tools to enhance classrooms, training and workshops across the province – allowing students and apprentices to better prepare for the latest job-site practices and emerging technologies.
The IST will support training across construction, industrial and manufacturing, motive power and service trades. Industry representatives will shape programs to better align with today’s workplace requirements, evolving skill sets and labour market demand.
“Skilled trades training has always been at the heart of what we do as a college. This new institute will draw key voices from industry directly into decision-making to ensure programming is even more closely tied to industry needs. 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.”
— Don Bureaux, President, Nova Scotia Community College
NSCC, as the primary training provider for the skilled trades, will continue to deliver the training through the IST, and the NSCC board of governors will retain full authority for governance and oversight. Apprenticeship and occupational standards, certification and Red Seal requirements will remain the responsibility of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.
Initial trade and program reviews began in January. Additional reviews are scheduled for priority programming throughout 2026.
“Industry needs training that keeps pace with modern workplaces, technology and the skills we need. 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.”
— Heather Cruickshanks, Chair, Institute of Skilled Trades council