NS program tries to keep HD and auto mechanics at home
TRURO, N.S. -- A pilot project has been launched to keep vehicle technicians under the trucks in Nova Scotia. The provincial government wants to keep more skilled trades workers at home and is working with Nova Scotia Community College on establishing a new model of skilled trades education and collaborative apprenticeships in order to make it happen. Students, or pre-apprentices, would be linked with employers earlier, making it easier and faster to complete apprenticeships in the trade. Program graduates will be certified and qualified skilled trades people ready to join Nova Scotia's workforce, the government said. Participants will get classroom training and hands-on industry experience, then will become registered apprentices and earn a wage while completing the program. Students will then be eligible to write a qualification exam to receive a certificate of qualification in one of three trades -- automotive service technician, heavy-duty equipment technician, or truck and transport mechanic. "The automotive industry in Truro is supportive and involved in this pilot and we look forward to working with other trade sectors in the future," said Education Minister Karen Casey. "The collaborative apprenticeship model is an example of the type of flexible, customized training we hope to see more of in the coming years. 'We're working very closely with employers to help them meet their workforce needs." Atlantic businesses have been frustrated in recent years as they watch skilled young workers migrate west to service Alberta and B.C.'s booming economies. The first transportation mechanical repair program class starts June 11 at NSCC's Truro campus. Nineteen employers have made a multi-year commitment to the program. After the pilot, Nova Scotia will explore the possibility of similar programs for other sectors across the province. The Department of Education and NSCC plan to work closely with sector councils, employers and other interested partners to develop personalized apprenticeship models. To learn more about the transportation mechanical repair program visit www.nscc.ca/OnTrack or call 1-866-679-6722.