Province Launches Skilled Trades Strategy for African Nova Scotians
Two young people participate in a simulation at the Trades Exhibition Hall in Halifax. The Province has a new African Nova Scotian Skilled Trades Strategy. (The PREP Academy)
The Province’s new African Nova Scotian Skilled Trades Strategy aims to recruit, retain and support youth in the sector.
Developed in partnership with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency and The PREP Academy, the strategy is supported by a $480,000 investment over two years to help strengthen the province’s skilled workforce.
“Nova Scotia needs more skilled workers, and we need to make sure opportunities are accessible to everyone,” said Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “This new strategy will help African Nova Scotian youth see themselves in the trades and get the support they need to succeed. It’s good for young people, good for communities and good for our province.”
The initiative includes one-on-one coaching for apprentices, career navigation for youth exploring trades pathways, and programming for families and caregivers.
The PREP Academy will work closely with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, Nova Scotia Community College, employers, sector councils and community organizations to deliver culturally relevant training and mentorship.
The strategy recognizes both the opportunities for African Nova Scotian youth in the skilled trades and Nova Scotia’s significant need for skilled workers.
Quotes:
“This strategy reflects what is possible when community, partners and government come together to open pathways into the skilled trades for African Nova Scotian youth and youth of African descent. That’s exactly the kind of work we support at African Nova Scotian Affairs, by staying connected to community and helping bring those voices forward across government.”
— Twila Grosse, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs
“Through this partnership, PREP is proud to be part of the solution to the long-standing underrepresentation of African Nova Scotian youth in the skilled trades. Our role is not to duplicate what already exists, but to connect the dots, bridging community, training and industry to make these pathways more accessible and easier to navigate. By working alongside the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency and community partners, we’re helping ensure more African Nova Scotian students can see themselves in the trades, take that first step and be supported to stay, progress and complete their journey through community-rooted, culturally grounded support into meaningful, in-demand careers.”
— Ashley Hill, founder and Executive Director, The PREP Academy
“This strategy is a major step forward in creating equitable access and supports to the skilled trades. With culturally responsive coaching, family engagement and strong community partnerships, we are partnering with The PREP Academy to help set African Nova Scotian youth up for success and to strengthen workforce diversity across Nova Scotia.”
— Michelle Bussey, CEO, Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Quick Facts:
- the strategy will provide one-on-one mentorship to 80 African Nova Scotian apprentices each year
- another 40 high-school students will receive coaching, workshops and career navigation support
- 20 families will participate each year in training designed to help them support youth pursuing trades.
- The PREP Academy is a community-based non-profit with a strong track record in improving educational outcomes for African Nova Scotian learners
- the initiative will be funded through the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Additional Resources:
Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency: https://www.nsapprenticeship.ca/
The PREP Academy: https://www.theprepacademy.ca/