Skill development for marine, aerospace and defence
Eight unique credit courses for students, grads and employees growing their careers in the marine, aerospace and defence sector.

Overview
This curriculum has been developed to strengthen and sustain the marine, aerospace and defence industry across Canada. Each credit course is based on specialized topics highly relevant to careers in the industry. Participants will learn essentials that will help propel them into exciting and in-demand careers.
While these courses are credited, they are not yet offered as electives, meaning full-time students would take on an extra course in addition to their program.
Duration
45 – 60 hours (varies for each course)
Delivery options
All courses are offered in-person and asynchronous online.
Cost
These courses are free to qualified participants - see participant requirements below.
Participant requirements
- You're an NSCC student in your final year in one of the following programs: Drafting – Architectural, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronic Engineering Technician, Electronic Engineering Technology, Environmental Engineering Technology, Industrial Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Oceans Technology, Welding, Pipefitter, Electrical, Metal Fabrication, Industrial Mechanical, Building Systems Technician (HVAC&R), Business Administration and International Business.
- You're a Canadian college student in an applicable program (see programs above).
- You're a graduate of an applicable program (see programs above).
- You're an employee working in the marine, aerospace and defence sector.
- You're an Irving Shipbuilding Incorporated employee.
An immersion in marine and shipbuilding concepts for welders, pipefitters, metal fabricators and millwrights entering shipbuilding, ship repair and in-service support in shipbuilding. This course also focuses on safe working practices, interpreting marine drawings, marine terminology, and ship structure and design.
Develop your knowledge of marine concepts and technologies. This course covers general concepts about shipbuilding, including history and trends in shipbuilding in Nova Scotia, elements of ship construction, safety and quality concepts, organizational structure, and an introduction to some of the unique methods, technologies, tools and techniques used in this dynamic workplace.
Gain skills in levelling methodologies, software applications and data analytics, as well as an introduction to accuracy controls in marine applications. Course contents will cover levelling methodologies, equipment handling, software applications, operations and data analytics.
Gain skills to manage the logistics involved in the design and production of a ship. This course covers the management and technical process through which supportability and logistic support considerations are integrated into the design and production of a ship.
This course explores efficient processes for on-time delivery production to minimize production time and costs. Course contents include estimating and forecasting, resource planning, monitoring production and accessing inventory.
Study risk management, contract management, RFI, RFP, RFQ (competition, awarding) as well as logistics and transportation.
This course provides an in-depth examination of the steps necessary in complex programs to connect the design incarnation to the setup attributes of the manufacturing line, ensuring the most important requirements are prioritized.
This course provides an examination of the set of processes used to understand and influence the amount of time or money spent on a project, such as budget forecasting, project schedule, project scope and risk management.
Course schedule
See when courses are being offered, and the NSCC programs that qualify you to take them.
Course | Dates | NSCC program |
---|---|---|
Marine Essentials - Shipbuilding Trades | Jan 15 to May 3, 2024 |
|
Accuracy Control in Marine Manufacturing | Jan 15 to Apr 12, 2024 |
|
Configuration and Information Management | Jan 15 to May 3, 2024 |
|
Integrated Logistical Support | Jan 29 to Apr 19, 2024 |
|
Introduction to Project Controls | Mar 25 to Jun 21, 2024 |
|
Supply Chain Management | Mar 25 to Jun 21, 2024 |
|
Production Planning and Scheduling in Marine Manufacturing | Apr 1 to Jun 28, 2024 |
|
Marine Essentials - Shipbuilding Technologies | TBD |
|
Other info
- This investment in Canadian skills development is being made pursuant to Irving Shipbuilding’s Value Proposition commitments under the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
Questions and registration
Contact Lorie Mitchell, Project Coordinator of Marine and Defence Initiatives at for more information on scheduling and how to register.