Training Boat Builders To Meet Industry Demand

Boat yards across the province have turned into classrooms, giving Nova Scotians a chance to train and work in the thriving boat-building industry.

Education Minister Jamie Muir announced an agreement with the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association today, April 13, that will allow the association to begin using ready-made apprenticeship training materials from the New Zealand Boating Industry Training Organization.

The Department of Education will partner with the boat builders' association and the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) to implement the apprenticeship curriculum across the province. NSCC staff will provide off-job training at campuses around the province.

"The boat-building industry has told us that business is growing, creating job opportunities in rural and coastal communities around the province," said Jamie Muir, Minister of Education. "Today's announcement is part of our commitment to ensure the apprenticeship training system responds to industry needs. This new program can be introduced immediately to provide on-the-job experience that will allow more people to train and work in boat yards right here in Nova Scotia. It's all part of our Skills Nova Scotia strategy."

Since 1998, sales in the Nova Scotia boat-building industry have increased from $50 million to $85 million. During this time, employment opportunities in the industry grew from 550 to 800 full-time, year-round positions, with an additional 250 positions available in support industries. This positive trend is expected to continue across the province, creating more job opportunities for skilled boat builders.

"There is strong interest in an apprenticeship training program from the boat-building industry and potential apprentices," said Tim Edwards, executive director, Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association. "We faced challenges around the unique blend of skills required, the remote location of the boat yards and the lack of available educational materials, but the New Zealand curriculum takes all of that into account."

The new apprenticeship training program responds to demonstrated interest from industry and potential apprentices. The Department of Education introduced a boat builders' training program with the boat builders' association in September 2004. To date, 24 apprentices have registered for the program in 12 boat yards. Twenty industry mentors signed on to implement the industry training plan.

"Building boats is not something you can learn by sitting in a classroom," said Gilles Theriault, foreman at A.F. Theriault and Son Ltd. of Meteghan River, one of the largest privately owned boat yards in Atlantic Canada. "You need to go to a boat yard and learn in a hands-on context. Apprenticeship is the best way to do that, and it's the only way to get the experience you need to get a job."

The Department of Education's role is part of the government's Skills Nova Scotia initiative. That initiative is dedicated to building Nova Scotia's skilled workforce by providing education and training opportunities.