Workforce Development
Building skills for a changing workforce
Our team connects Nova Scotians with training that leads to real jobs, while supporting the province’s most vital sectors. Working alongside employers, government and community groups, the team designs programs that are practical, inclusive and responsive to industry needs.
By combining hands-on learning with targeted training, the team helps students and workers build job-ready skills while strengthening capacity in sectors like energy, long-term care, construction, manufacturing and the creative industries. With a focus on accessibility and inclusion, Workforce Development also plays a critical role in opening doors for newcomers, underrepresented communities and those exploring new career pathways. We also help industries solve workforce shortages and future-proof their talent pipelines.
One recent example is Breaking Through the Screen, a partnership with Culture Link to train African Nova Scotians for roles in Nova Scotia’s film industry. The 90-hour program included placements on sets like This Hour Has 22 Minutes, leading several participants to secure jobs in the creative sector.
Through targeted funding opportunities like the Labour, Skills and Immigration (LSI) Microcredential Innovation Fund, the team also developed and delivered new short-term training in Disability Support Services, Strategic Resilience for First Responders and Powerline Awareness, offering pilot courses free of charge to students across the province.
By meeting people where they are and responding to real workforce needs, Workforce Development is creating lasting impact, one program, one partnership and one career at a time.
“We appreciate the fact that NSCC comes physically to our institutions. It permits the participants to have training prior to their release and prepares them to enter the workforce. We always have instructors that are greatly respectful of our somewhat difficult environment and our participants appreciate that.”
– Natalie Anne Poirier, Acting Project Officer, Employment and Employability, Atlantic Region, Correctionnel Service Canada
“In 2024, we partnered with NSCC and other sponsor partners to deliver the Mi’kmaw Youth Culinary Camp. It certainly provided a positive opportunity to showcase culinary skill sets to 10 Mi’kmaw youth in a safe and culturally respectful learning environment. We look forward to seeing more projects like this – ones that create meaningful, mutually beneficial opportunities through these types of partnership investments.”
– Robert Bernard, Executive Director, Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network
“This is what opportunity looks like. By listening to communities and working closely with employers, we’re building programs that truly change lives and strengthen Nova Scotia’s economy.”
– Lynn Meloney, Director of Workforce Development, NSCC
Entrepreneurship highlights
Training for long-term care
In partnership with the Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care, NSCC ran 3 cohorts of a 5-course program to strengthen care home operations across Nova Scotia.
Forestry safety training
Chainsaw safety courses were delivered to the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq and all-female cohorts.
Construction skills for newcomers
This 7-week Bridge to Construction program with ISANS provided hands-on training and. helped many participants secure employment.
Clean economy microcredentials
NSCC developed 5 renewable energy microcredentials through a national CICan consortium to grow Canada’s clean-tech workforce.
Regulated training for Halifax Regional Municipality
Multiple cohorts of powerline awareness and chainsaw training were delivered to the urban forestry team to meet mandatory regulatory requirements.
Introduction to cybersecurity
Foundational training introduced the Health and Community Care Workforce Sector Council to digital threats and protection strategies.
What’s next
Expanding training and partnerships to meet emerging needs:
- Utility line worker program expansion: A new offering at Sydney Waterfront Campus, with Nova Scotia Power, will address regional energy workforce needs and retention.
- Wine sector training: Three new credentials created with Wine Growers NS are designed to help grow the industry.
- Corrections Canada partnership: This multi-year training at 3 institutions will prepare participants for reintegration and employment.
- First responder resilience microcredentials: Trauma-informed courses with Emergency Medical Care are attracting interest from healthcare, policing and corrections sectors.
Upcoming training offerings include:
- Forestry harvester operator: Launching in fall 2025 at NSCC’s Lunenburg Campus in partnership with NBCC, this program will prepare workers to meet workforce needs in the forestry sector.
- Powerline awareness (in-person): This course has been adapted from our online version for hands-on learning.
- Introduction to solar: Foundational training in solar photovoltaics design and installation equips participants with essential skills for working in the renewable energy sector.
- Advanced chainsaw training: This offering focuses on bucking, felling and complex scenarios like storm cleanup and blowdown response.
