Canada's changing economy and investments in infrastructure make skills training critical to our future. To keep our economy strong and growing, Canadians will need the right skills to fill in-demand and well-paying jobs. The Government of Canada is taking steps to encourage key groups facing barriers to explore careers in the trades.
Today, Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour, announced on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, funding of $228,476 to Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) for its Pathways to Shipbuilding for African Nova Scotians project. This project is funded in part through the new Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness program, which encourages more Canadians, particularly those facing barriers, to pursue careers in the skilled trades through career exploration, skills training and work experience.
Approximately 5,000 Canadians over four to five years are expected to benefit from the new Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness program. Funding started with $6 million in 2018-19 and $10 million per year ongoing thereafter, as announced in Budget 2018.
The Pathways to Shipbuilding for African Nova Scotians project will support 20 African Nova Scotian students through the Pre-Apprenticeship Welding Diploma program at NSCC. The project is specifically designed for African Nova Scotians interested in a career in welding in the shipbuilding industry and employment at Irving Shipbuilding. Recruitment and selection of the 20 participants was led by the East Preston Empowerment Academy, the community partner in the program.
Employers, provinces and territories, learning institutions, unions, community organizations and individuals all have key roles to play in Canada's continued success in building a skilled, mobile and certified workforce that supports Canada's labour market.
Quotes
"The new Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness program will equip Canadians from key groups with the foundational skills, knowledge and experience they need to get trained and start well-paying careers in the skilled trades. By creating a skilled, diverse and inclusive workforce, our government is strengthening the middle class and creating a more prosperous country."
- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
"The shipbuilding industry in Nova Scotia is strong, growing and providing good jobs here at home. Our government's support for the Pathways to Shipbuilding for African Nova Scotians project at NSCC will help more Nova Scotians train for the skilled trade jobs needed today and tomorrow."
- Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament, Dartmouth-Cole Harbour
"As Nova Scotia's community college, we are focused on supporting industry and the need for an educated, skilled workforce. The Federal government's investment in our students and their journey through the Irving Shipbuilding Centre of Excellence Pathway's program will enhance their experience and help ensure their future success in the marine sector."
-- Don Bureaux, President, Nova Scotia Community College
Quick facts
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One in five employed Canadians work in the skilled trades, representing almost 4 million workers.
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The annual average salary of skilled tradespeople in Canada is $69,512.
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To sustain workforce certification levels, 67,000 new journeypersons will be required across the 10 largest Red Seal trades in Canada by 2023.
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Barriers related to technical training prevent some apprentices from completing their levels and programs. According to studies undertaken by Statistics Canada, the apprenticeship completion rate has been at 50% or less for well over a decade.
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There are a number of benefits for apprentices who complete their training. Those who earn certification are more likely to be employed full-time and earn more than those with no certification.
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Women's representation in Red Seal trades where women are under-represented was at 5% in 2017.
