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. 
 

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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. 

Site web

Information for Women in Skilled Trades (En anglais seulement)

Site web

Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA)

Un page en français est en développement.
  • Orientation professionnelle
  • Ressources pour les apprentis
  • Ressources pour les employeurs et les secteurs d'activité
Site web

Nova Scotia Government Programs Connecting School to Career

Site web

Government of Nova Scotia

Explore hands-on learning opportunities available through Nova Scotia schools, including co-op education, skilled trades, and community-based programs.
  • Orientation professionnelle
Site web

Incentives for Journeypersons (En anglais seulement)

Site web

Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA)

Journeypersons take an active role in mentoring apprentices and help them progress through training to certification. Check out the Journeyperson incentive program.
Site web

Career Exploration with WorldSkills (En anglais seulement)

Site web

WorldSkills

Discover what each trade is all about with WorldSkills. Click here to explore skills, careers, and industry insights.
  • Orientation professionnelle
  • Ressources pour les apprentis
Éducation

Junior Achievement

Éducation

Junior Achievement

Le site est en anglais, mais les programmes offerts en français sont indiqués dans leurs titres.
  • Orientation professionnelle
  • Camps de formation aux métiers spécialisés pour les jeunes
Site web

Explore the Trades (En anglais seulement)

Site web

Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council (NSCSC)

Un site français est en développement.
  • Orientation professionnelle
  • Ressources pour les apprentis

Voir toutes les ressources