New Utility Line Worker cohort to support industry demand

Sep. 24, 2025 – Media Release

Four people and a Nova Scotia Power truck in front of NSCC Sydney Waterfront Campus.

(L-R) Russell MacAulay (T&D Supervisor, Nova Scotia Power), Bruce Clark (Academic Chair, NSCC Sydney Waterfront Campus), Carla Arsenault (Principal, NSCC Sydney Waterfront Campus), Paul Breski (Eastern Operations Manager, Nova Scotia Power)

Sydney, N.S. – With an overwhelming demand for training in the energy sector, Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) is pleased to launch a new Power and Utility Line Work program cohort at its Sydney Waterfront Campus (SWC) beginning in January 2026.

This new program and training site is made possible through a significant partnership with Nova Scotia Power, which includes a major financial investment in the pilot program and the development of dedicated training facilities – including a full pole yard at Nova Scotia Power’s Sydney Depot and a smaller training yard on campus.

The one-year certificate program will begin this January with classes held at the campus, and the physical training component at Nova Scotia Power’s Sydney Depot on Townsend Street, just minutes from the campus.

Peter Gregg, President and CEO of Nova Scotia Power Inc. says, “We’re proud to expand our partnership with NSCC to bring the Utility Line Worker program to Cape Breton. The demand for skilled people in this trade has never been greater, and this program will help us prepare for the future while giving more people the chance to build good careers close to home. At the end of the day, it’s about investing in our people, our communities, and the customers we serve.”

NSCC President Don Bureaux says, “This is a tremendous example of the work we do as a College – identifying ways to support pressing industry needs in Nova Scotia. While Nova Scotia Power is not the sole employer of grads of our Power and Utility Line Work program, they are a critical pipeline to work in the field and wanted to help augment the training spaces.” He notes, “We’re so fortunate that Nova Scotia Power has partnered with us and invested in this new site so that we are able to bring this training to Cape Breton and help address waitlists for those wanting to be a part of what we know is such an important profession.”

Find out more about Admissions.

NSCC’s Cumberland Campus in Springhill has been the sole site offering the program since 2008. The program had an initial offering at the Marconi Campus in Sydney in 2004. This additional 2026 program section is a partnership with Nova Scotia Power’s and NSCC’s Workforce Development division.

About Nova Scotia Community College

NSCC is located in Mi’kma’ki, the unceded territory and traditional homeland of the Mi’kmaq Nation. This land is governed by the treaties of Peace and Friendship, which the Mi’kmaq and the British Crown first signed in 1726. The College is committed to building Nova Scotia's economy and quality of life through education and innovation, transforming Nova Scotia one learner at a time. NSCC offers more than 140 career-oriented programs throughout the province at our 14 campuses, including our online eCampus. Programs are offered through five academic schools – Access, Education and Language; Business and Creative Industries; Health and Human Services; Technology and Environment; and Trades and Transportation. These reflect Nova Scotia’s labour market needs and opportunities. An annual survey of NSCC graduates shows that 90% are employed one year after graduation, most in their field of study, with 93% of those employed living and working in Nova Scotia.

About Nova Scotia Power Inc.

Nova Scotia Power has had a presence in communities across Nova Scotia for over a century. As the primary electricity provider in the province, the company is regulated by the Nova Scotia Energy Board and provides generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power to approximately 550,000 customers. This includes residential, commercial, and industrial customers. With more than 2,300 dedicated employees, the team at Nova Scotia Power works every day to provide safe, reliable service to customers in every corner of the province. Their focus is on engaging with communities about the important work being done to meet the evolving energy needs of Nova Scotians while supporting the exciting growth and development in the region. Learn more at nspower.ca.

For more information

Nova Scotia Community College
Katie Gordon, Communications Advisor
782-409-2007

Nova Scotia Power Inc.
Adam Cheyne, Communications Advisor
902-233-6015