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Building Canada’s defence workforce. Protecting our future.

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Canada’s defence and marine sectors need a workforce that can keep pace with rising demand. NSCC is Nova Scotia’s workforce development partner, working with industry and government to build and sustain the talent needed today and into the future.

Backed by more than 20 years of partnership with the Canadian Armed Forces and deep alignment with Nova Scotia’s shipbuilding, marine and aerospace industries, NSCC delivers practical, job-ready training at scale across the province.

Why NSCC matters to defence growth

Defence investment, shipbuilding activity and procurement are accelerating the need for skilled workers across trades, marine, digital and technical roles.

Employers are also facing labour shortages and an aging workforce, alongside growing pressure to upskill faster as technologies evolve. NSCC helps address this gap.

Through flexible training, responsive partnerships and workforce-ready graduates, we help government and industry build capacity at scale. Our work is backed by:

  • 20+ years partnering with the Canadian Armed Forces
  • Strong alignment with shipbuilding and marine industries
  • 17 campuses near key defence assets
  • Proven strength in job-ready, applied education

NSCC is one of Canada’s most trusted defence-relevant workforce development partners.

How NSCC supports workforce needs

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Workforce development

We design employer training that closes skill gaps with tailored programs and short courses. The Irving Shipbuilding Marine Trades Initiative delivers trades training to meet shipbuilding workforce needs.

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Applied Research

Applied Research supports industry-led projects with practical timelines and company-owned Intellectual Property. We help partners solve problems, validate products and adopt new technologies. Read about one of our projects

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Military-connected pathways

We support Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and their families with programs, services and learning pathways that connect prior experience to civilian education and career opportunities.

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Workforce-ready graduates

NSCC prepares graduates for careers across trades, marine, technology and other defence-adjacent fields through hands-on learning that builds practical, job-ready skills.

Contact us

For inquiries regarding workforce training for the defence sector, contact:

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