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NSCC Institute of Skilled Trades (IST)

Working together to make NSCC the best skilled trades training institution in Canada.

Nova Scotia has a growing need for skilled trades workers, which means it’s never been more important to ensure trades programming continues to lead to graduates that are job-ready with the skills employers need now and in the future. NSCC already has strong industry connections, and now it’s time to deepen them. 

The Institute of Skilled Trades brings all NSCC pre-apprenticeship programming and technical training into one industry-led model.

A student in a yellow and orange safety vest working on a heating system on the roof of a building.
30+ pre-apprenticeship programs
Explore over 30 pre-apprenticeship programs focused on the skilled trades Nova Scotia needs. Explore pre-apprenticeship programs
Two men in hard hats, safety goggles and safety harnesses hold a piece of equipment while standing near solar panels.
Skilled trades for the future
Employers are looking for skilled trade workers, like Electrical Technicians, to support the growing clean energy sector.
Student in full safety gear using welding equipment.
Apprenticeship technical training
Most apprentices receive their technical training at NSCC. In 2024-25, the College trained over 2,500 apprentices.

What is the Institute of Skilled Trades?

The newly announced Institute of Skilled Trades, which isn't a physical structure, is focused entirely on all NSCC pre-apprenticeship programming and apprenticeship training related to construction, motive power, industrial/manufacturing and service trades. Its work will be guided by an industry-led Council that includes key industry members, the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, other government representatives and the College.

Programming at IST 

A female precision machining student wearing eye protection working with a machine. Pre-apprenticeship programming

By providing foundational skills, these programs prepare students to begin an apprenticeship after graduation. Taking an NSCC program may help fast-track the apprenticeship journey as credit is usually received for the theory and practical training mastered in the program.

A plumbing apprentice in a dark lab learning how to sodder. Apprenticeship training Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job and technical training where skilled practitioners pass on knowledge and share their skills with the learner. The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA) contracts NSCC to deliver the technical training.

Job-ready graduates

Graduates of NSCC’s Institute of Skilled Trades will work in every community across the province, contributing to our economy. These graduates will support:

  • Housing
  • Clean energy infrastructure like wind
  • Public infrastructure like hospitals and roads
  • National defense needs
  • Shipbuilding
  • Automotive needs
The NSCC logo for the College's Institute of Skilled Trades.
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