Trades Training

Mainland Nova Scotia’s Building Trades Unions are among the largest sources of privately funded skills trades training in the region. In fact, our affiliated locals have been conducting training for decades. Construction activity in the province is at an all-time high and Nova Scotia is facing an urgent demand for large numbers of skilled trades workers. To respond to this need, our Unions have consolidated training centers, creating the Building Trades Advancement College of Nova Scotia to promote access to skilled trades training and careers.

Some unions operate Private Career Colleges offering standardized curriculum for apprentices and skills upgrading. While others have Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees (JATCs) who administer apprenticeship programs and operate training centers funded by industry through Training Trust Funds. These programs are privately funded through contributions from the workers and our affiliated contractors. The training institutions are acknowledged as centers of excellence across the country.

Helpful Links

SkillPlan Learning Hub

Building Trades Advancement College of Nova Scotia

Carpenter Millwright College

IBEW – Local 625 Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee

Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency

Operating Engineers Training Institute of Nova Scotia

Sheet Metal Workers & Roofers (Cape Breton Island)

UA Local 56 Training Centre

Did you know?

The Canadian Building Trades are the largest provider of private sector training in Canada with over 195 state-of-the-art Training Centers across the country, and an annual investment of $300 million

Trade unions in Nova Scotia invest more than $7 million in training annually

There are over 3,000 apprentices in Nova Scotia’s Building Trades