Making the Connection, Filling the Skilled Trades Gap in Nova Scotia

NOTE: The following is a feature story on Nova Scotia's youth apprentice program.

Krista Lindsay is making her mark in skilled trades. She is Nova Scotia's first female high school youth apprentice and one of only seven female youth apprentices registered in the province.

"I didn't realize I was the first. It feels pretty good, pretty cool. It is very exciting," says Lindsay.

A Grade 11 student at J.L. Ilsley High School, Lindsay became a machinist youth apprentice after learning about the program from her teacher, Lynn Haughn.

"I always wanted to be a mechanic, but when I went on a school tour at NSCC, I saw the machinists and it just clicked," Lindsay says. "I knew that was what I wanted to do."

She completed a co-operative education placement through the Options and Opportunities, or O2, program at her school. The program allows students from grades 10 to 12 to develop practical on-the-job experience while helping them make successful transitions from high school to work, their career path or a post-secondary program.

It is designed to strengthen knowledge students gain in school, a goal, Lindsay says, is well met.

"I've learned a lot about myself, what I am interested in and what I can do."

Early in Lindsay's co-op placement, her employer, Advanced Precision Inc. in Dartmouth, recognized her talent and ability. It hired and registered her as a youth apprentice, providing her with a head start in training to becoming a certified machinist. Advanced Precision Inc. specializes in manufacturing and assembling high quality, precision components and complex fabrications. It supplies customers in military, aerospace, ocean science, medical and industrial markets throughout Canada and the United States.

Since its inception in 2005, youth apprenticeship has been a proven method to expand youth's knowledge and experience in the skilled trades. A close working relationship with the public school system has helped create connections between school and work. To build on these and support student exploration of skilled trades, the Department of Labour and Workforce Development provides Workit Grant funding to high schools across the province.

Last year alone, 58 schools took advantage of the funding support.

Youth apprenticeship supports employment growth in a sector experiencing a labour shortage in Nova Scotia. With the province's unemployment rate at a 20-year low, trade industry experts believe 3,000 to 4,000 new tradespeople will be needed to sustain current employment levels.

Even though the number of youth apprentices in Nova Scotia has increased from 27 to 324 since 2007, more employers and journeypeople are needed. The department is actively working to encourage employers to hire youth apprentices to help them become the journeypeople of tomorrow.

An area with huge growth potential is women in skilled trades. And Lindsay is a perfect example of what can be accomplished.

"Go with what feels right," she says. "If you really want to pursue a trade, go for it. Especially women."

For more information on the Department of Labour and Workforce Development youth apprenticeship program, visit www.workitns.ca .