Nova Scotia & NSCC Launch Institute of Skilled Trades

February 12, 2026

The Province and Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) are launching the Institute of Skilled Trades (IST) to provide students and apprentices with modern training and equipment to develop the skills employers need – today and in the future.

The IST and skilled trades training at NSCC will now be guided by an industry-led council that will help modernize and strengthen programming. Its focus is on improving training quality, transforming learning environments and supporting more graduates and apprentices to meaningful, in-demand careers.

“Major investments in housing, transportation, defence, clean energy, manufacturing and infrastructure all depend on a strong, highly skilled trades workforce,” said Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “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.”

The new institute will be supported by a five-year, $25-million investment for new innovative equipment and tools to enhance classrooms, training and workshops across the province – allowing students and apprentices to better prepare for the latest job-site practices and emerging technologies.

The IST will support training across construction, industrial and manufacturing, motive power and service trades. Industry representatives will shape programs to better align with today’s workplace requirements, evolving skill sets and labour market demand.

NSCC, as the primary training provider for the skilled trades, will continue to deliver the training through the IST, and the NSCC board of governors will retain full authority for governance and oversight. Apprenticeship and occupational standards, certification and Red Seal requirements will remain the responsibility of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.

Initial trade and program reviews began in January. Additional reviews are scheduled for priority programming throughout 2026.

Institute of Skilled Trades Council

The Institute of Skilled Trades Council is governed by an industry-led Council. Members include:

• Chair, Heather Cruickshanks
• Vice-Chair, Tim Manuel, motive power
• Alison Casey, construction
• Howie Doiron, construction
• Gord Gamble, construction
• Beth Hamilton, industrial and manufacturing
• Jeff MacLean, industrial and manufacturing
• Ruth Meagher, motive power
• Dan Monk, construction
• Dana Schiefer, service
• Duncan Williams, construction
• Trent Soholt, Board Chair, Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
• Anna Burke, NSCC Acting President
• Michelle Bussey, CEO, Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
• Ryan Grant, Deputy Minister, Labour, Skills and Immigration 

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