Nova Scotia is taking another step to grow its skilled trades workforce through the creation of the Institute of Skilled Trades (IST) at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), first announced earlier this month.
Amendments introduced on February 24 to the Community Colleges Act will support the institute's establishment and strengthen collaboration between the government, NSCC and industry so training better reflects workforce needs across the province.
Responsibility for appointing NSCC's President will also shift to the Province.
"Nova Scotia's future depends on a strong, skilled workforce," said Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. "Guided by industry, the Institute of Skilled Trades will help ensure more people can train for good careers here at home while supporting the industries driving our economy forward."
The legislation also strengthens collaboration by adding the Department's deputy minister to the NSCC board of governors; enables regulations to support the IST's industry-led council; and updates the act to reflect the transfer of responsibility for NSCC to the Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration.
The IST will bring NSCC's trades programming under a dedicated structure, overseen by an industry-led council. This approach will help strengthen pathways into and progression through apprenticeship and employment while supporting continued growth in high-demand sectors such as construction, industrial and manufacturing, motive power and service trades.
Quotes:
"From an industry perspective, this moment really matters. We're seeing strong demand across the trades. What industry needs is simple - training that reflects real job sites, modern equipment and graduates who are ready to contribute on Day 1. This is exactly the kind of partnership Nova Scotia needs."
Heather Cruickshanks, Chair, Institute of Skilled Trades Council, and owner, L.E. Cruickshanks Sheet Metal Ltd.
"Employers rely on a high-quality, steady supply of skilled trades talent. Closer co-ordination between NSAA, training providers and industry will help ensure apprentices and students develop the skills they need to succeed on the job sites and build the workforce Nova Scotia needs for the future."
Michelle Bussey, CEO, Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Quick Facts:
- 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
- over the past year, the number of apprenticeship technical training seats at NSCC increased by more than 1,000, and pre-apprenticeship seats increased by 260
- motive power is the sector responsible for the repair and maintenance of motorized vehicles
- responsibility for 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
- the IST is designed to improve outcomes such as graduation rates and job attachment, apprenticeship progression and certification success
Additional Resources:
- Bills tabled in the legislature are available at: https://nslegislature.ca/legislative-business/bills-statutes/bills/assembly-65-session-1
- News release - Province, NSCC Launch Institute of Skilled Trades: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2026/02/10/province-nscc-launch-institute-skilled-trades
- Institute of Skilled Trades: https://www.nscc.ca/about/ist/index.asp
