Institute of Skilled Trades Industry Bulletin
This Bulletin provides a high-level update on current initiatives, upcoming activities and key information relevant to our industry partners, discussed in monthly Institute of Skilled Trades (IST) Council meetings. The Council will continue advancing priorities and sharing further updates as work progresses.
The next IST Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 1.
Updates - May 2026
View key IST Council meeting updates.
Government of Canada Spring Economic Update
The Council received an update on the Government of Canada’s Spring Economic Update. A significant focus of the update related to the skill trades and supporting apprenticeship in particular.
Status: Implementation planning in progress
NSCC application process
The Council discussed the NSCC screening process and how to strengthen it for IST programming. This will include introducing and enhancing a system to ensure that applicants have access to information and opportunities to make more informed decisions about which trade to pursue.
Status: Implementation planning in progress
Equipment upgrades and maintenance
The Council reviewed current equipment selection processes at NSCC and discussed how to get industry more engaged in the process.
Status: Implementation planning in progress
External relations and engagement
Members reviewed a draft external outreach and engagement outline and discussed how to increase external involvement with programming decisions.
Status: In progress
Standardized curriculum delivery across all campuses
Members provided input on the training standards and standardized curriculum
across programs.
Status: In progress
Snapshot of Enrolment for September 2026
The Council discussed the status of enrolment for September 2026 and where industry can help promote to fill seats.
Status: In progress
Skilled trades awareness, exposure and promotion and what needs to be done going forward
Members discussed the work already being done by system partners in the skilled trades and what gaps exist to ensure that the promotion and understanding of the trades receive consistent and meaningful awareness across schools, career transitioners, newcomers, and communities.
Status: Implementation planning in progress
IST Program Mix Planning
The Council discussed what labour market information data should be used to ensure we’re focusing on market-driven needs.
Status: Implementation planning
View past IST Council meeting updates
- April 2026 updates (PDF 56KB)
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Last updated on: May. 15, 2026 10:57 AM