NOVA SCOTIA
Skilled Trades Centres
PURPOSE: To provide students with programs and resources that will help them transition smoothly into the workforce and postsecondary education.
MINISTRY
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Government of Nova Scotia
DESCRIPTION
Skilled trades courses are the starting point for Nova Scotia high school students who want to explore the skilled trades as a possible career option. These courses promote career exploration and skill development in the trades, and cater to a wide variety of learning styles. These courses are based on curricula that immerse students in the realities of skilled trades work. They were designed by high school teachers and experienced trades educators from the Nova Scotia Community College in consultation with industry representatives.
The first Skilled Trades Centres began to offer programming in 2009. Skilled trades courses provide a mixture of theoretical and practical workplace activities. Students spend approximately 80 percent of their time completing actual tasks and projects in the skilled trades using the basic tools of industry professionals. Skilled trades courses currently comprise Skilled Trades 10, Construction Trades 11, Transportation Trades 11, Manufacturing Trades 11, and Skilled Trades 12 Co-op. Skilled Trades courses are designed to be taught by certified journeypersons. Students receive apprenticeship hours, upon registration, based on the actual time in class while under the supervision of a certified journeyperson teacher.
RESULTS
There are 13 Skilled Trade Centres across Nova Scotia high schools offering programming in 2014–15. Students who participate in Skilled Trades education come away with new transferrable skills and better knowledge of workplace health and safety practices no matter what career choice they might make. Partnerships with industry are strengthened to expand opportunities for students to explore the skilled trades as a career option through in-class presentations, visits to the worksite, and co-operative learning experiences.
FURTHER INFORMATION
High School Skilled Trades Education
