Tackling the Skills Gap: The Challenge of Job Vacancies and Waitlists in Nova Scotia’s Skilled Trades
As Nova Scotia grapples with a growing number of job vacancies in the skilled trades, one of the most promising pathways to filling these roles — training through the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) — is facing significant hurdles. Long waitlists for various trades programs are preventing many prospective students from entering this vital workforce, highlighting the complexities inherent in addressing skilled labor shortages.
The State of Waitlists at NSCC
Almost every skilled trades and transportation program at NSCC faces overwhelming interest, yet the infrastructure to accommodate this demand is stretched thin. Fields that include aircraft and automotive work, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and welding are all experiencing waitlists that can extend into years. At all campuses throughout the province, aspiring tradespeople face an uphill battle, especially in high-demand areas like electrical construction and building systems technology.
For instance, the electrical construction program has received over 750 applications for just 250 available spots, resulting in an astounding two-year wait for hopeful entrants. Similarly, the building systems technology program features 223 new and waitlisted applications vying for only 18 seats, making it clear that demand far outweighs the available supply.
Voices from NSCC
Andrew Lafford, NSCC’s Vice President of Academics, acknowledges the urgency of this situation. “We’re doing as much as we can as quickly as we can,” he stated. “We’re exhausting all of our assets, all of our capabilities to try to close that gap and not have students sitting on the waitlist for too long.”
The Demand for Skilled Workers
A recently released report by BuildForce Canada reveals that Nova Scotia will need to hire approximately 15,000 workers in the skilled trades by 2034. The report outlines that the province’s construction sector is expected to see substantial growth, driven mainly by residential needs and significant institutional projects like hospitals. A notable 21 percent increase in employment in residential construction is anticipated, visibly intersecting with the urgent workforce shortages that are currently stalling projects.
As the report aptly points out, ongoing shortages in skilled labor are already impacting work sites, causing project delays and even cancellations. Therefore, resolving the waitlist issue becomes imperative for the economic health of the province.
Balancing Supply and Demand
Lafford elaborates on the challenges of matching supply with demand in trades education. He describes it as a “balancing game,” emphasizing that simply increasing enrollments isn’t a panacea. “We just have to be careful that we’re not graduating so many electricians that they’re not getting jobs on the other end.” The goal is to replenish the skilled labor pool without flooding it, which would only exacerbate unemployment.
Innovative Solutions
In an effort to make training more accessible, NSCC has introduced various measures, including accelerated courses and flexible scheduling. This includes summer, evening, and weekend courses, as well as mobile trade centers that take programs into underserved communities. Additionally, NSCC recently added 260 seats in critical trades programs in early 2023, with plans to further expand offerings in the upcoming academic year.
Alternative Pathways into the Trades
While NSCC is a significant option for trade education, other avenues exist for those eager to enter the field. Trent Soholt, executive director of the Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council, underscores the importance of exploring direct entry and enhanced direct entry options.
Direct and Enhanced Direct Entry
In direct entry, an individual can connect with an employer, who would register them as an apprentice and provide on-the-job training. Enhanced direct entry takes this a step further. Organizations like the Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council collaborate with employers to tailor short courses—lasting 10 to 16 weeks—to meet specific workforce demands. Successful participants may secure work placements leading directly to apprenticeships.
However, these alternative programs have their own challenges, as they are also experiencing high demand. For example, a recent cable technician program attracted 200 applicants for just 12 spots.
Government Initiatives
In an effort to address these challenges, the Nova Scotia government has outlined various initiatives aimed at recruiting and retaining skilled workers. Recent investments include a $10 million allocation aimed at linking residents to careers in the skilled trades. Part of these funds will facilitate the creation of the Cape Breton Trades Exhibition Centre, designed to provide training opportunities for youth and underrepresented populations, including veterans and newcomers.
The government also aims to lower financial burdens for apprentices by waiving fees and creating additional bursaries.
Conclusion: A Collaborative Effort
The skilled trades landscape in Nova Scotia stands at a critical juncture, balancing the pressing demand for labor with the reality of lengthy waitlists. With collaborative efforts from educational institutions, government initiatives, and industry stakeholders, solutions can be forged to expedite training and ensure a robust pipeline of skilled workers.
As Nova Scotia works toward resolving these complex issues, the path toward a revitalized trades workforce will not only benefit individual trainees but the broader economic landscape of the province. Ultimately, it will take a concerted effort from all involved to transform the potential of aspiring tradespeople into a reality that meets the province’s growing needs.
