Nova Scotia partners with NSCC to launch Institute of Skilled Trades

The Province of Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) are partnering to launch the new Institute of Skilled Trades (IST), which will see an industry-led council modernize and strengthen NSCC’s skilled trades programs through the new institute.

The IST will support training for trades in the construction, industrial, and manufacturing sectors, in addition to motive power and service trades.

The provincial government is investing $25 million into the IST over five years, with this funding to be used toward new equipment and tools, classroom enhancements, and cross-province training and workshops.

Industry representatives will be integrated into the IST’s programming reviews to ensure that curriculums align with provincial trends in workplace requirements and skillset demands. Initial program reviews began in January 2026, with additional reviews for priority programming scheduled throughout the remainder of the year.

“With the Institute of Skilled Trades, we’re raising the bar – becoming the best skilled trades training institution in Canada, aligned with industry, focused on alignment to critical workplace skills, and preparing people for rewarding careers that will power our province and our country,” said Nolan Young, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration.