Welder

Discover the Trades V2

A skilled trade requires specific technical knowledge, training, and experience to meet industry standards. In Nova Scotia, more than 70 skilled trades offer rewarding career paths with strong growth and steady demand. These trades are divided into four sector groups: Construction, Industrial/Manufacturing, Motive Power, and Service. 

Carpenter working on house

Construction Sector

Trades include building and infrastructure trades. Some examples include: Carpenter, Construction Electrician, Plumber, Bricklayer, and Sheet Metal Worker
Ready to get started? Explore resources and supports below.
 
Education

BTAC Pre-Apprenticeship Training and Direct Entry Opportunities

Education

Building Trades Advancement College of Nova Scotia (BTAC)

Learn more about the pre-apprenticeship training and direct entry opportunities offered through the Building Trades Advancement College of Nova Scotia.

Education and Training
Career Exploration
Apprenticeship
Education

Career Pathways

Education

Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council (NSCSC)

Career Pathways help you start your journey with personal analysis, research, and planning. Assess your strengths, explore career options, and create a roadmap to reach your goals.

Career Exploration
Education and Training
Website

Pre-apprenticeship Programs

Website

Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)

NSCC offers 30+ programs to kickstart your apprenticeship. Register as an apprentice and transfer your credits.

Career Exploration
Machinist

Industrial & Manufacturing Sector

Trades involved in producing goods, maintaining machinery, and fabrication. Some examples include: Machinist, Industrial Mechanic (Millwright), Boilermaker, and Metal Fabricator.
Ready to get started? Explore resources and supports below.
Quiz

Career Personality Quiz with WorldSkills

Quiz

WorldSkills

Find a skill that works with your interest, take the career personality quiz through WorldSkills.

Career Exploration
Website

Nova Scotia Community College Career Exploration

Website

Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)

Explore careers that align with your interests and skills to find the right education path at Nova Scotia Community College.

Career Exploration
Education and Training
Website

General Labour Market Information

Website

Government of Nova Scotia

Want to know the labour market demand and outlook for various trades? Click here to explore the latest statistics and data.

Jobs and Workforce
Automotive Service Tech

Motive Power Sector

Trades focused on repairing and maintaining vehicles and engines. Some examples include: Automotive Service Technician, Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, and Motorcycle Mechanic.
Ready to get started? Explore resources and supports below.
Education

Apprenticeship — Getting Started

Education

Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA)

Skilled tradespeople are at the forefront of Nova Scotia’s growing economy and with Apprenticeship, there are more than 70 exciting skilled trade careers to choose from.

Education and Training
Career Exploration
Education

Orientation Program for Apprentices

Education

Government of Nova Scotia

This 5-part Orientation is a mandatory mini-course for newly registered apprentices. IWhile it is intended for registered apprentices, anyone who is curious about this post-secondary pathway is welcome to take a look. Registration is not required.

Education and Training
Career Exploration
Website

Pre-apprenticeship Programs

Website

Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)

NSCC offers 30+ programs to kickstart your apprenticeship. Register as an apprentice and transfer your credits.

Career Exploration
Baker

Service Sector

Trades focused on culinary, and technical trades. Some examples include: Hairstylist, Cook (Institutional or Commercial), and Landscape Horticulturist.
Ready to get started? Explore resources and supports below.
Education

Skilled Trades Courses

Education

Government of Nova Scotia

Skilled Trades courses provide students with an opportunity to experience a realistic trades workplace environment by combining academic learning with practical workplace skills.  Students taught by a certified journeyperson will be granted NSAA practical

Career Exploration
Education

Building Trades Advancement College

Education

Building Trades Advancement College of Nova Scotia (BTAC)

Learn more about what the Building Trades Advancement College of Nova Scotia has to offer future students.

Education and Training
Career Exploration
Website

Explore the Trades

Website

Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council (NSCSC)

Interested in working in the Canadian construction industry but not sure which trade is the best fit for you? Check out the many skilled trades in Nova Scotia and start your career journey here.

Career Exploration
Education and Training

Still deciding on a trade? 

Explore your options and discover the trade that fits your skills and goals.
 

Explore Resources

Have a child interested in the skilled trades?

Learn how the skilled trades can open doors for youth and help them explore high-demand careers with long-term opportunities.

Explore Resources

Exploring your different career options? 

Discover resources to help you identify careers that match your interests, skills, and goals.
 

Explore Resources

Earn money while you learn

Apprentices are paid employees from day one, with wages increasing as they progress. 

 

Little to no student debt

Apprenticeship training is more affordable than many post-secondary options. You may also qualify for financial supports and tax credits.

Job opportunities

Skilled trades workers are in demand in Nova Scotia and Canada.  

Mentorship and hands-on training

Learn directly from experienced journeypersons while building real-world skills.

Skills to last a lifetime

Skilled trades can lead to advanced training, leadership roles, teaching, or starting your own business.

This is My Trade

This is My Trade video series showcases real skilled trades careers across Nova Scotia. 

In each video, you’ll meet a local tradesperson on the job who provides an inside look at their daily work, required tools, problem-solving challenges, and career paths. Wondering if a trade is for you? Check out the This is my Trade series to learn more!

Learn More

A high school student taking part in the Building Futures for Youth program to introduce trades to young people.

Have a child interested in the trades? 

Learn how the skilled trades can open doors for youth and help them explore high-demand careers with long-term opportunities below.

Skilled Trades Camp

Skilled Trades Camp

Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)

Looking to help your youth explore the skilled trades? Check out the Skilled Trades Camp's throughout the province.

Career Exploration
Website

Youth Programming and Career Exploration Activities

Website

Department of Education and Early Childhood

Explore and navigate skilled trades curriculum and options in your schools.

Career Exploration
Education and Training
Website

Trades Exhibition Hall

Website

Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council (NSCSC)

Developed in partnership with industry and the Province of Nova Scotia, the Hall features 14 interactive exhibits (booths) where visitors can learn about construction careers by participating in a variety of hands-on demonstrations and speaking with

Career Exploration
Apprenticeship