Mainland Nova Scotia Building Trades

11/05/2026

Celebrating the tradespeople who are taking steps in their careers to continue on their pathway through apprenticeship! 👏

Read more about Sunni's journey from Sheet Metal Workers & Roofers - SMART Canada. 🇨🇦

Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Building Trades Advancement College of Nova Scotia
Skills Canada-Nova Scotia
Skills Canada / Compétences Canada
Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council
Women Unlimited

When Sunni graduated from NSCC’s metal fabrication program in 2025, she hoped to start a career in the trade she had trained for. Instead, she found herself working retail until she discovered a sheet metal training opportunity through SMART and decided to take a chance.

Today, she is building a rewarding career in the sheet metal trade and encouraging other women to explore opportunities in the skilled trades. Although she was already familiar with metal fabrication, sheet metal introduced her to a whole new side of the industry. What once seemed like simple construction projects became something much bigger, giving her a deeper appreciation for the skilled workers, years of effort, and craftsmanship required to build the communities around us.

With support from her family, friends and Women Unlimited, a free 16-week program that helps women explore careers in the skilled trades while providing ongoing support, training opportunities, and employment connections, Sunni gained the confidence to pursue a new path and develop skills she never thought possible. The experience has shown her that stepping outside her comfort zone can open unexpected doors and create opportunities she never imagined.

Her advice to other women is simple: “Just go for it, if it's something you want to do and something you think you can do well then fill out that application for school or send in that resume for that job you’ve always wanted. Don't be afraid to just go for it because you’ll never know unless you try.”

10/29/2026

As we recognize Mi’kmaq History Month, it’s a great opportunity to highlight the importance of introducing Indigenous youth to careers in the skilled trades. 👏

A special thank you to Ray Lawrence, RSE Safety/Industrial Coatings Applicator Instructor, for representing the International Union of Painters & Allied Trades, Atlantic Canada, at the Indigenous Youth Skilled Trades Fair.

Through hands-on experiences like the spray-painting simulator, young people can explore the skills, technology, and career opportunities available through our affiliated building trades unions.

Thank you to everyone who is creating opportunities for Indigenous youth to explore their future in the skilled trades!

10/28/2026

Congratulations to Devon Buell, Project Manager at Outcape, on receiving the 2026 Employer Champion Award! 👏

Mainland Building Trades celebrates this recognition of Outcape, a signatory contractor with Sheet Metal Workers and Roofers Local 409, and Devon’s commitment to developing the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

Through his support for apprenticeship and Red Seal certification, Devon helps skilled trades professionals build their skills and advance their careers in the roofing industry.

Watch the video to learn more about his work supporting apprentices and strengthening our skilled trades workforce.

Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency

10/22/2026

Mainland Building Trades delegates representing multiple unions attended today's event to celebrate the achievements of Nova Scotia’s skilled trades community.

We were especially proud to see building trades members Faye Nightingale with UA Local 56 and Brianna Barrett with the Labourers International Union of N.A. Local 615 share their journeys.

Partnering with the Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council
on programs funded by the Nova Scotia Government to increase the number of skilled tradespeople in Nova Scotia is growing opportunities in our industry.



Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency

10/18/2026

On behalf of our affiliated unions and members, The Mainland Nova Scotia Building Trades extends heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones mourning the lives lost at CFB Wainwright.

To the Canadian Armed Forces members, first responders, healthcare teams and everyone providing care and support - thank you for your service and compassion.

Our thoughts are with those injured, their families, and the entire community of Wainwright, Alberta.

10/16/2026

📣 UTIP Funding Announcement!

Yesterday, the Government of Canada announced $430 million dollars to help build Canada's future!!

Opportunities like this, provide our unions with the ability expand training spaces and do what they do best - train Canada's skilled workforce.

Let's Build! 🍁

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Support for skilled trades training through three funding streams:

🏗️ Brick and Mortar: $197.2 million over five years for new, expanded or upgraded training facilities.

🎓 Innovation and Apprenticeship: $135 million over five years to strengthen training programs and apprenticeship pathways.

🛠️ Training Equipment: $100 million over five years for equipment and technology, covering up to 70% of eligible costs.

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/union-training-innovation.html

10/13/2026

Six thousand tradeswomen gathered this weekend for the Tradeswomen Build Nations Conference! 🦺

That same spirit of support is at the heart of Women Unlimited as we join other partners to recognize our commitment to connecting women to opportunities in Nova Scotia.

The Mainland Nova Scotia Building Trades is proud to celebrate 20 years of partnership with Women Unlimited and support the Anniversary Celebration as a Champion Sponsor.

Share this post and tag those who have graduated from the program. Let’s help reach the women whose stories of success have shaped our industry over 20 years! 📣


Women Unlimited

10/09/2026

This Thanksgiving weekend, we are grateful for the things that matter most — family, good health, strong communities, and the people who build them.

To our skilled trades members working on projects across Nova Scotia and beyond, thank you for the dedication to safety, the pride in your craft, and the hard work you bring to our industry every day. 👏

🍁 Happy Thanksgiving!

10/05/2026

Looking for a new career opportunity?

10/02/2026

Congratulations to skilled trades members and the leadership of UA Local 56 as they marked 118 years this week.

Honouring members with 25 years in the trade to 65!!

That represents generations of skill, experience, and knowledge — members who have helped build our industry, mentored those coming behind them, and strengthened their union along the way.

Mainland Nova Scotia Building Trades is proud to recognize the members of UA Local 56 celebrating these milestones.

Congratulations to every member honoured, and thank you for the years you have given to your trade, your union, and our industry.

That is a legacy worth celebrating!🎉

UA Canada