Welder

Explore Careers

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. 

Discover the Different Trade Sectors

Construction Sector
 

Trades involved in the construction, renovation, maintenance, and repair of residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial projects. 

Focus: Building and maintaining homes, buildings, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. 

 

Explore Trades

Industrial & Manufacturing Sector

Trades that support manufacturing facilities, industrial operations, resource development, utilities, and large-scale production environments.

Focus: Installing, maintaining, repairing, and operating industrial equipment, machinery, and production systems.

Explore Trades

Motive Power Sector
 

Trades that maintain, diagnose, and repair vehicles, mobile equipment, and engines used for transportation, construction, agriculture, and recreation.

Focus: Keeping vehicles and motored equipment operating safely and efficiently. 
 

Explore Trades

Service Sector
 

Trades focused on providing personal, hospitality, food, and specialized services to individuals, businesses, and communities.

Focus: Delivering skilled services directly to customers and communities, often in hospitality, landscaping, personal care, and food-service environments.

Explore Trades

Benefits of Apprenticeship 

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.

Resources & Supports 

There are many resources to support you in exploring the trades! This is a selection of resources provided by our industry partners. 

Event

Trades Exhibition Hall Virtual Tour

Event

Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council (NSCSC)

Trades Exhibition Hall (TEH) is a unique venue that offers the opportunity to experience construction occupations. This virtual tour allows you to explore a variety of Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) construction and management occupations. During the tour, you can click on all points of interest to gain knowledge about each career.
  • Career Exploration
  • Education and Training
Education

Have You Thought of Construction Video Series

Education

Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council (NSCSC)

The video series helps you better understand the ICI construction sector, including working in construction, how to get started, various options and opportunities, and much more.
  • Career Exploration
  • Education and Training
Education

Skills Pass

Education

Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council (NSCSC)

The Training Portal offers a variety of impactful, no-charge, online, training programs, all sponsored by the Government of Nova Scotia.
  • Apprenticeship
  • Career Exploration
Education

Careers in Construction

Education

Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council (NSCSC)

This platform is designed to help explore career opportunities in the construction industry in Nova Scotia. It provides information about skill recognition and certification, employment opportunities, industry growth, and much more. It's a hub where you can discover where to work in the construction sector.
  • Jobs and Workforce
  • Education and Training
Website

Mobile Construction Experience

Website

Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council (NSCSC)

The Mobile Construction Experience is a one-of-a-kind custom 53’ trailer, built to showcase Industrial-Commercial- Institutional (ICI) construction sector careers. It is a live, outdoor “construction zone."
  • Career Exploration
Website

Skills for Success

Website

Government of Canada

Website to learn abut the nine skills for success.
  • Career Exploration
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