Left to right: Jack (Aircraft Maintenance Technician – Structures), Nick (Aircraft Maintenance Technology – Avionics)
Left to right: Jack (Aircraft Maintenance Technician – Structures), Nick (Aircraft Maintenance Technology – Avionics)
Supporting Canada’s defence sector
Through the College’s skilled trades and digital technology programming, and longstanding partnership with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and defence-adjacent employers, NSCC plays a critical role in ensuring Nova Scotia has a skilled, job-ready workforce to meet future demands.
Preparing a skilled defence workforce
NSCC delivers training through the Non-Commissioned Member Subsidized Training and Education Plan (NCMSTEP), supporting workforce development in Canada’s defence sector. By providing industry-aligned programs in high-demand technical fields, including aircraft maintenance and aviation systems, NSCC helps prepare skilled graduates to meet evolving defence workforce needs.
Additionally, for over 20 years, NSCC has developed customized training solutions that respond to military priorities. Through a long-standing contract with the Department of National Defence, the College delivers tailored training where new military recruits gain hands-on experience in trades like carpentry, electrical and plumbing.
Military-connected College
As a military-connected College, NSCC not only trains new recruits, but also supports current and retired CAF members as they transition into second careers, leveraging 130+ programs.
Partnering with defence-related employers
NSCC is nationally recognized as a leader in skilled trades education, positioning the College as a key partner for defence-related employers, most notably through initiatives like the Irving Shipbuilding Marine Trades Initiative (MTI). Through MTI, NSCC delivers fully funded, high demand trades training aligned with marine manufacturing and shipbuilding needs.
Aligning training with the National Defence Industrial Strategy
Canada’s defence sector has identified 17 Key Industrial Capabilities (KICs) across land, marine, aerospace and space domains. NSCC currently has expertise in 7 of these areas: training and simulation, remotely piloted systems and autonomous technologies, sonar and acoustic systems, advanced materials, clean technology, artificial intelligence and cyber resilience. This makes NSCC a well-positioned partner in supporting Canada’s evolving defence and sector priorities.
Responding to emerging skill demands
As Canada prepares to modernize its naval capabilities, NSCC is actively engaged in workforce development planning related to the Canadian Patrol Submarine Program. While submarines are expected to be built internationally, long-term maintenance, upkeep and repairs will be based in Canada, positioning Nova Scotia to serve in a leading role.
NSCC is working to identify how existing programs, including marine trades, welding, electrical, engineering and business disciplines, can be enhanced to support submarine in-service support requirements. While the first submarines are not expected to arrive for several years, preparing a skilled, job-ready workforce must begin now to ensure Nova Scotia has the talent needed to support Canada’s defence strategy.
Left to right: Nick (Aircraft Maintenance Technology – Avionics), Jack (Aircraft Maintenance Technician – Structures)
Preparing job-ready graduates for critical military occupations
Through its partnership with the Non-Commissioned Member Subsidized Training and Education Plan (NCMSTEP) of the Canadian Armed Forces, NSCC is helping build a skilled, job-ready aviation workforce. At the Aviation Institute in Dartmouth, students gain hands-on training in aircraft maintenance while preparing for critical military and civilian careers. With paid education, practical experience and direct career pathways, programs like NCMSTEP are strengthening Nova Scotia’s aviation, aerospace and defence sectors.
“I’m able to earn an education in a field I’m passionate about while receiving a salary and benefits through the miliary. In return, the Canadian Armed Forces gains trained professionals who are ready to step into the workforce with the skills and experience they need. It’s a win-win situation that benefits students, the military and Canada’s aviation sector as a whole.”
– Nick, Aircraft Maintenance Technology – Avionics student
of applicants self-identified as military-connected
locations across Nova Scotia aligned with major defence and marine communities