Publié le 20 October 2023
A new announcement that Nova Scotia is spending $100 million recruiting skilled tradespeople means new opportunities for job seekers with the right skills and certifications.
Are you considering a career in the trades? Nova Scotia wants to hire you. The provincial government has announced plans to spend $100 million over the next three years to recruit skilled tradespeople to live and work in Nova Scotia. This initiative is in response to seriius issues facing the province, particularly a shortage of the skilled labour market that is having a ripple effect throughout multiple industries.
“While the number of apprentices in Nova Scotia continues to grow each year, the labour market need for skilled trades professionals is outpacing our ability to train them. We are working with our partners to develop creative, innovative solutions to meet their needs and become a skilled trades leader in Canada.”
-Jill Balser, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration
Hiring 11,000 Tradespeople
Nova Scotia leaders say that the province will require 11,000 new skilled tradespeople in the workforce by 2030. This goal will not be met at the current rate, so this new initiative is designed to facilitate the training, recruitment and hiring of skilled tradespeople. Dubbed the “Actions for Growing the Skilled Trades” program, it includes changes to training structures and adds incentives for completing certification and staying in-province afterwards.
Improved Training and Apprenticeship
The changes from Nova Scotia’s new program start with training and recruitment. There will be a temporary tuition waiver for people enrolling at specific Nova Scotia Community College programs, including carpentry and plumbing. Additional grants are designed to provide financial support for new laptops and other tech supports so students have the learning tools they need to excel.
The length of pre-apprenticeship programs has also been reduced by half. The two-year certificate program will now last one year, and the one-year program will now last for six months. After completing certification, journeyperson tradespeople will now be able to train three apprentices simultaneously instead of only two. There will be additional financial incentives for skilled tradespeople who take on new apprentices. These changes are designed to facilitate training for people looking to enter the trades, or upskill from one industry into another.
Reducing Barriers for Skilled Newcomers
One major change is the skilled newcomers to Canada with previous trade experience in their home counties will no longer have to complete a Nova Scotia High School Diploma equivalency before starting their apprenticeship. This change will allow people with the skills and abilities needed in various trades to enter the workforce sooner.
A further change is the creation of the Critical Construction Worker Pilot as a new stream of Nova Scotia’s Provincial Nominee Program. This stream will recruit and hire qualified tradespeople from around the world with the goal of increasing the labour force within the residential construction industry. By focusing on people with previous experience in this industry, the goal is to add needed skills to the workforce as quickly as possible.
“With our current population growth, housing of all forms is needed. To do that, we need to be creative and find new ways of attracting and retaining our workforce. CANS is pleased to see the Province take action to reduce the skilled trades shortage in Nova Scotia.”
-Duncan Williams, President and CEO, Construction Association of Nova Scotia
The Effect of Housing Shortages
According to provincial officials, Nova Scotia is experiencing a housing shortage. In order to keep up with population growth, the province needs to triple the number of houses being built each year. Nova Scotia is far from the only province experiencing similar housing issues, which have also contributed to rising costs and increased difficulties for renters and perspective first-time home buyers.
Nova Scotia hopes that by expanding the workforce of skilled tradespeople in the province, it will lead to an increase in the capacity for construction of residential homes and hospitals. Having people with these skills and abilities in the workforce will bring benefits to multiple areas of the province, including housing.
Find A Career In The Trades
The announcement that Nova Scotia is spending $100 million recruiting skills tradespeople should send a strong signal to any looking to launch such a career. If you are looking for additional information, you can refer to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency and the Critical Construction Worker stream to learn more. Once you’ve prepared your resume and cover letter, you can search for available jobs in a variety of trades and start applying.