HALIFAX — A $10 million provincial investment in the construction industry is aiming to help more Nova Scotians explore and connect to careers in the trades.
The investment will support three initiatives:
- creating the Cape Breton Trades Exhibition Centre, an industry-led hands-on exploration and learning facility for youth, community groups and apprentices;
- expanding enhanced direct-entry apprenticeship programs; and
- supporting career transitions, programs for underemployed people, veterans and new Canadians to enhance and gain skills to be ready for careers in the skilled trades.
The Cape Breton Trades Exhibition Centre will be the second of its kind in the province, complementing the existing centre in Halifax, explains a release. It will feature interactive booths, training classrooms and a testing facility to enhance trades education for thousands of people. There are also two mobile training centres and one mobile construction experience.
The enhanced direct-entry apprenticeship program will serve at least 200 new apprentices across union and non-union employers. Monthly and annual reporting requirements will ensure transparency and accountability, the release adds.
“Nova Scotia needs more skilled trades professionals to support our growing economy and to build the homes, schools and hospitals we need,” said Nolan Young, minister of labour, skills and immigration. “By working with industry leaders, this investment will encourage more people to explore the skilled trades, train more people and connect them with good careers in construction.”
An industry-led steering committee will manage the project details and includes representatives from key industry organizations, unions and employer groups.
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