SKILLED TRADESPEOPLE WANTED

35,600

workers in the construction sector in 2021

4

major projects investment in 2022

3,300

women in the construction sector in 2021

BUILD YOUR LIFE HERE

In Nova Scotia, construction projects are at an all-time high thanks to increased investment in health care projects, rising levels of commercial building construction, road, highway, and bridge works, and more. 

As Canada continues to recover from the impacts of the global pandemic, Nova Scotia’s economy is in full swing with employers who are eager to hire skilled tradespeople and keep up with labour market needs. The retirement of nearly 8,700 workers further opens up opportunities for new workers.

Whether you are an experienced skilled trades professional who is looking for a work-life balance or are fresh out of high school, have a passion to learn any skilled trade, and want to be an apprentice, you can build a life and career in Nova Scotia. 

Construction Sector

There are many Skilled Trades jobs that are in-demand in Nova Scotia as the province enters a period of growth while retirements continue to rise.  The construction sector is projected to require approximately 13,750 new apprentices by 2025.

High demand for a variety of occupations including carpenters, bricklayers, mobile crane operators, gas fitters and more. Those holding a Red Seal in these trades from a Province or Territory in Canada can work in Nova Scotia without further training or certification.

Bricklayers in Nova Scotia are busiest from Spring to Fall, many work through the Winter as well. As the provinces continue to develop new schools, hospitals, and housing, the need for skilled Bricklayers continues to grow. Bricklayer is a Red Seal trade that is compulsory certified in Nova Scotia. 

Carpenters can build a great career and live within steps to hiking trails or the ocean if you live in Nova Scotia.  Carpenter is Red Seal trade that is a voluntary trade in Nova Scotia, meaning that to practice the trade, formal training and certification is not required. 

Mobile Crane Operators in Nova Scotia work for construction, industrial, mining, cargo handling, and railway companies.  If you want to be part of Nova Scotia’s booming construction industry while living the East Coast lifestyle, come to Nova Scotia. To operate a crane in Nova Scotia, a person must possess a permit/license issued by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, Technical Safety Division.  Mobile Crane Operator is a Red Seal trade.

Gas Fitters work for gas utility companies and gas servicing companies in Nova Scotia. To be a Gas Fitter in Nova Scotia, a person must possess a permit/license issued by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, Technical Safety Division. Gas Fitter is a Red Seal trade. 

Industrial/Manufacturing Sector

Analysis suggests the industry will need to recruit more than 3,920 new apprentices over the forecast period to keep pace with the anticipated growth in exports and demand related to the Federal shipbuilding program. Employment growth and retirements will continue to drive demand for the recruitment for a variety of occupations including welders, machinists, millwrights, and more. Those holding a Red Seal in these trades from a Province or Territory in Canada can work in Nova Scotia without further training or certification

Welders will find extensive opportunities in Nova Scotia. There is a lot of work throughout the province for anyone who has a passion to weld or would like to learn.

Motive Power Sector

The motive power sector is projected to require approximately 4,520 new apprentices to keep pace with demand requirements over the long term. Retirements and general workforce attrition will be the driving force behind the need for recruitment.

There are many jobs in demand in the Motive Power Sector, but some key opportunities exist for Heavy Duty Equipment Technicians. Those holding a Red Seal in these trades from a Province or Territory in Canada can work in Nova Scotia without further training or certification.

Heavy Duty Equipment Technicians are often employed by companies that own and operate heavy equipment, heavy equipment dealers, rental and service companies, railway transport companies, and urban transit systems. This is a trade in high demand province-wide. Heavy Duty Equipment Technician is a Red Seal trade that is a voluntary trade, meaning training and certification are not required to practice in Nova Scotia. 

New tax refund for Skilled Trades Workers

Skilled trades workers under the age of 30 in Nova Scotia can benefit from the More Opportunity for Skilled Trades (MOST) program, aimed at attracting and retaining young people in key sectors and shaping the workforce of tomorrow. 

For skilled trades workers who are employed and registered as apprentices or journeypersons in Nova Scotia, MOST will return their provincial income tax paid on the first $50,000 of income earned. 

For questions about the More Opportunity for Skilled Trades program, please email most@novascotia.ca.

Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency provides funding, support & training opportunities for apprentices and employers:

NSAA promotes apprenticeship as a post-secondary option for young and mature individuals who want to be certified to work in a skilled trade. Upon completion of the apprenticeship program, apprentices are eligible to write a provincial or Red Seal certification exam. Get started with an apprenticeship.

Funding and supports for those seeking to become Apprentices and/or gain certifications in their trades.

Funding and supports for employers who wish to hire apprentices.

Questions?

Please get in touch and our support team will answer all your questions.