N.S. needs far more tradespeople. Diversity is key to meeting that demand, expert says

Nova Scotia is gearing up for a green revolution that could create thousands of new jobs in the skilled trades industry. A recent report by the Halifax-based Ecology Action Centre highlighted the need for over 16,500 homes to be retrofitted each year in order for the province to achieve its goal of reaching net zero by 2050. This demand could potentially lead to the creation of more than 7,000 carpenter positions and over 4,000 electrician positions within the next five years.

However, there is a looming challenge in filling these positions with skilled workers. Chris Benjamin, senior energy co-ordinator at the Ecology Action Centre, emphasized the importance of diversifying the workforce by opening doors to women and racialized groups. He stressed the need to move away from simply replacing retiring white male workers with younger counterparts, and instead focus on broadening the market to include a more diverse range of talent.

Antonia Bown, a Black mother and welder, shared her experience of entering the trades through a program called Women Unlimited at the Nova Scotia Community College. This program allows women from underrepresented backgrounds to explore various trades and technology programs for free over a 14-week period. Bown emphasized the importance of such programs in helping individuals like herself broaden their horizons and prepare for successful careers in the trades.

The report from the Ecology Action Centre highlighted that a significant portion of skilled trade workers in Nova Scotia are over the age of 55, indicating a wave of retirements in the coming years. With a low replacement rate for recent graduates entering the trades, there is a pressing need to prioritize recruitment and retention efforts in order to ensure that essential work is not left undone.

Michelle Bussey, CEO of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, acknowledged the existing labor gap within the skilled trades industry and outlined efforts to address this issue. The province has allocated $100 million over three years to enhance retention, recruitment, and training initiatives, with a focus on identifying barriers and creating incentives for equity-deserving groups. Bursaries are being offered to students in trades programs, with priority given to individuals from marginalized communities.

In order to attract and retain a more diverse workforce in the trades, a shift in work culture is necessary. Bown highlighted the need to challenge stereotypes and biases that often underestimate the capabilities of women in the field. Despite the challenges, she emphasized the stability and opportunities that working in the trades can offer to those looking to pursue a new career path.

Efforts to recruit more women and racialized groups into the skilled trades industry will require collaboration among industry stakeholders, governments, and post-secondary institutions. By investing in a more inclusive and sustainable future for Nova Scotia, we can create a workforce that is reflective of the diversity and talent within the province.