Left to right: Gurjeet (Sheet Metal Systems ’25), Oscar (Sheet Metal Systems ’25), Heather Cruickshanks (NSCC IST Council Chair) and Orin (Sheet Metal Systems)
Left to right: Gurjeet (Sheet Metal Systems ’25), Oscar (Sheet Metal Systems ’25), Heather Cruickshanks (NSCC IST Council Chair) and Orin (Sheet Metal Systems)
Industry-driven programming
As the province’s strategic workforce partner, NSCC continuously works with industry and government to evolve programming to ensure it meets current and future needs.
Innovative and responsive programming
Labour market needs evolve rapidly, and NSCC continues to adjust its program mix to ensure learners are prepared for in-demand careers across the province. In 2025–26, the College expanded capacity in priority sectors such as healthcare, skilled trades and early childhood education.
An annual program health review process ensures program offerings are adjusted to reflect enrolment trends, industry needs, and program performance. This includes responding to the growing demand for shorter, flexible training pathways. Expanded online, blended, and accelerated delivery, together with stronger alignment across Academic Schools, is increasing access to education while enabling NSCC to respond more quickly and effectively to Nova Scotia’s changing workforce demands.
Evolving health programming to meet Nova Scotia’s changing care needs
NSCC continues to evolve its Health and Human Services programming in partnership with government, regulators and industry to meet Nova Scotia’s changing health care needs. Redesigned offerings including accelerated Practical Nursing and streamlined Continuing Care and Disability Support Professional programs, equip graduates with current, industry-aligned competencies. Targeted seat expansions have increased capacity while maintaining consistent delivery, program quality, and strong alignment with safety and regulatory standards.
National leadership in wind energy training
In 2026, NSCC received Global Wind Organization (GWO) accreditation for its Wind Turbine Technician program, making NSCC the only post secondary institution in Canada to hold this designation. The accreditation allows students to complete required industry training as part of their program and supports future recertification as their careers progress.
NSCC Institute of Skilled Trades
Working together to make NSCC the best skilled trades training institution in Canada
In February 2026, the Province of Nova Scotia and NSCC launched the NSCC Institute of Skilled Trades (IST) to strengthen and modernize skilled trades education across the province. The NSCC IST is not a physical campus but an industry‑led model that brings together all NSCC pre‑apprenticeship and apprenticeship technical training in construction, industrial and manufacturing, motive power and service trades.
Guided by an industry‑led council that includes key leaders from various trades sectors, Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, other government departments and the College, the NSCC IST was created to ensure programs remain tightly aligned with evolving industry needs and technologies. The Institute is also supported by a provincial government investment of $25 million over 5 years to enhance College classrooms, equipment and workshops across the province to meet training needs.
The work of strengthening skilled trades is well underway with several in-depth programming reviews informed by industry, already complete with more scheduled. Additionally, to help foster academic excellence and ensure graduates are workforce ready, all NSCC IST programs (effective September 2026) will have a mandatory attendance requirement of 90%.
Left to right: Orin (Sheet Metal Systems), Oscar (Sheet Metal Systems ’25), and Gurjeet (Sheet Metal Systems ’25)
A strong, skilled trades workforce for Nova Scotia’s future
Nova Scotia’s future depends on a skilled trades workforce. From housing to healthcare to clean energy and shipbuilding, demand for skilled workers continues to grow across the province. To help meet that demand, NSCC has partnered with the Province to launch the NSCC Institute of Skilled Trades (IST) – a province-wide approach to trades education that brings together NSCC pre-apprenticeship programming and apprenticeship training under a new, industry-led model.
“This is the first time NSCC, Apprenticeship, government and industry are all working this closely together. With industry helping guide decisions, we can better align training with what employers need and help students build strong, long-lasting careers.”
– Heather Cruickshanks, NSCC Institute of Skilled Trades Council Chair
students enrolled in NSCC IST
NSCC IST programs