Critical feedback required to shape trades programs

The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency and Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) are seeking urgent feedback from employers and certified journeypersons on four trades programs currently under review. This evaluation is part of Nova Scotia’s Trade Review, designed to strengthen alignment between training institutions, industry, and government.

Input will be collected through series of one-day sessions aimed at gathering perspectives from a diverse mix of voices from large, and small employers, rural and urban as well as union, and non-union. Each session will focus on a different trade.

Who Should Participate: individuals who understand the trade, its skills, tasks, and day-to-day realities, to help shape strategies that reflect actual workplace needs.

Apply to Participate!

If you or an employee (journeyperson) may be interested in participating in one of these sessions, please complete the respective form(s) linked below for consideration. Those selected to participate will receive a $200 honorarium (relevant and approved travel expenses would be reimbursed).

Session Details

Sheet Metal Worker Session
  • Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
  • Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Location: NSCC Akerley Campus, (21 Woodlawn Rd, Dartmouth, NS)

APPLY NOW: Complete the application for Sheet Metal Worker session.

Refrigeration Air Conditioning Mechanic Session
  • Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
  • Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Location: NSCC Akerley Campus (21 Woodlawn Rd, Dartmouth, NS)

APPLY NOW: Complete the application for Refrigeration Air Conditioning Mechanic session.

Steamfitter/Pipefitter Session
  • Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
  • Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Location: NSCC IT Campus (5685 Leeds St, Halifax, NS)

APPLY NOW: Complete the application for Steamfitter/Pipefitter session.

Industrial Electrician Session
  • Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
  • Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Location: NSCC IT Campus (5685 Leeds St, Halifax, NS)

APPLY NOW: Complete the application for Industrial Electrician session.

The purpose of these sessions is to:
  • Ensure future delivery models align with industry standards and expectations.
  • Gather insights from experienced professionals on current practices and challenges.
  • Ensure students and apprentices receive the right training, in the right way, at the right time.
  • Identify opportunities to improve skill development, workplace readiness, and practical training time.
  • Prepare an outline for broader Industry to validate identified opportunities to ensure accuracy and alignment.
  • Input from this session will inform the recommendations which would begin in the 2026/2027 academic year, including potential budget considerations.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute your expertise and help advance the Nova Scotia’s trades community.