Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency's Youth Skilled Trades Camps provide hands-on experiences for youth in grades 7 through 9 across the province to discover skilled trades at no cost. Explore a new trade each day - such as carpentry, welding, automotive service repair, culinary and more - and discover careers that shape our communities.
Why attend?
- Explore a new trade each day and discover which ones you like most.
- Experience lots of variety with new activities each day.
- Take part in hands-on learning led by NSCC faculty.
- Get an early start exploring what skilled trades careers are like.
- See what it’s like to learn trades at a college campus.
Summer camp dates and locations
*Workshops are subject to change based on availability. Participants will be notified of any updates to the program.
Lunenburg Campus, July 6 to 10, 2026
Applications will be open May 26 - 28.
Workshops*: Motorcycle and Power Product Repair, Electrical, Carpentry, Automotive Service Repair.
Cumberland Campus, July 13 to 17, 2026
Applications will be open May 26 - 28.
Workshops*: Carpentry, Electrical, Power and Utility Line Work, and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.
Akerley Campus, July 27 to 31, 2026
Applications will be open May 26 - 28.
Workshops*: Heavy Duty, Automotive Service Welding and Boat Building.
Sydney Waterfront Campus, August 10 to 14, 2026
Applications will be open May 26 - 28.
Workshops*: Carpentry, Culinary, Metal Fabrication and Plumbing.
Pictou Campus, August 17 to 21, 2026
Applications will be open May 26 - 28.
Workshops*: Culinary, Carpentry, Boat Building.
Camp details
- Cost: Free
- Time: 9 am to 3:30 pm
- Capacity: 60 campers in grades 7 through 9 per camp. Campers must be 12 years of age* (minimum) at the start of camp. (*Must be entering into grade 7, 8 or 9 in September 2026).
- Important note: Campers must attend the Monday of the Skilled Trades Camp for mandatory safety training. Campers who do not attend safety training will not be permitted to attend the remainder of the week.
- Lunch is provided.
- All personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided.
- Participants take home what they build.
How to apply
The Skilled Trades Camps have become increasingly popular over the past 2 years and we're aiming to simplify the application process. We encourage all eligible youth to apply including youth from Mi’kmaw, Indigenous, African Nova Scotian, and under-represented communities. Here’s how it works.
- Apply online: Fill out 1 application per child during the 48-hour window.
- Lottery selection: After applications close, spots are filled by random draw.
- Watch your inbox: If your child is a successful applicant and receives a space in camp or is waitlisted, you’ll hear from us within 5 business days.
- Final step: confirm your spot: Complete the registration and consent forms within 1 week of your confirmation email to secure the space in camp.
Important Summer 2026 dates:
- May 26: Applications open at 9 am
- May 28: Applications close at 9 am
- By June 4: Notification emails will be sent
Join our mailing list to learn about future camps.
All campers must be 12 years of age (minimum) at the beginning of camp and must be entering into grade 7, 8 or 9 in September 2026.
No. The first day of camp is dedicated to important safety training and all campers must complete the training before entering any workshops.
Email with any questions you have.
NSCC will be accepting applications for Summer 2026 camps from May 26 starting at 9am until May 28 at 9 am.
Select the “Apply now” button located on the Youth Skilled Trades homepage. The button will redirect users to the application form (Microsoft Forms). From there, the user can complete the form, and submit.
Please ensure that all fields are completed and reviewed prior to submitting. Misspelled emails or phone numbers could result in NSCC not being able to confirm successful applicants.
No, applications will only be accepted between May 26 - 28.
To apply for multiple campers online, you must complete a separate application form for each camper. You may reuse the same contact information for multiple applications.
No, all applications will be vetted and all duplicate applications will be removed.
No. The application form will enter your child into the lottery. Space will be filled by a random draw until all spaces are full.
Yes, short waitlists will be put into place after all the spaces in the camp are filled. Waitlisted applicants will receive an email from the Skilled Trades Camp team.
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Youth Skilled Trades Camps are funded by the Government of Nova Scotia and delivered in partnership with NSCC. Learn more about Actions to Accelerate Skilled Trades Growth.