A new institute has been announced for the Nova Scotia Community College that aims to bridge the gap between the classroom and the job site through modern equipment and training.

The Institute of Skilled Trades will support training in construction, manufacturing, motive power and service trades. A council led by industry experts will guide the programming based on their first-hand knowledge of the sector.

NSCC president Don Bureaux said Tuesday it’s hoped the institute will improve students’ understanding of the industries they eventually join.

“We traditionally work very closely with industry, but given where the economy is going, this is a great way to make that connection even closer,” he told reporters after the announcement in Dartmouth.

The provincial government is investing $25 million over five years for new tools, equipment, training and workshops through the institute.

Labour Minister Nolan Young said Tuesday working with industry representatives is a “tremendously important” part of the institute.

“When we train these workers that are going directly out into industry, you know, industry knows what works best with skills, with their equipment,” he said. 

Young said investments in defence, infrastructure and clean energy projects all require skilled trades workers.

“It’s a great time to be a tradesperson,” he said.

According to Statistics Canada, the country’s aging labour force in the skilled trades could create a large shortfall of workers in the coming years. In the construction sector alone, more than 245,100 workers are expected to retire by 2032.

Program reviews through the Institute of Skilled Trades began in January, according to a news release.

MORE TOP STORIES