Labour Market Forecast & Employment Opportunities

The major ongoing and upcoming public infrastructure projects in Cape Breton are expected to continue over the next several years, with direct and indirect employment spinoffs for Cape Bretoners. This is an opportunity to build a stronger and more resilient workforce in Cape Breton by breaking down barriers to employment and aligning change and opportunity with skills and people for the best results – creating a legacy for the region.

Each project is being closely monitored to identify occupations in-demand as these projects get underway and unfold. At different times and project stages, each occupation will be presented with new opportunities. Training within each occupation specific to these projects presents the best opportunity for the existing workforce on the Island, new entrants to the workforce, and those transitioning careers.  

These projects represent the single largest investment in public infrastructure ever in Cape Breton Island; a truly once-in-a-generation level of investment, expected to offer employment and training for hundreds of construction-sector personnel over the projected period.

“Through these projects, and the significant investment behind them, Cape Breton-Unama’ki will not only see improved health care and education infrastructure, but also hundreds of jobs, opportunities for workforce training, and direct benefits to local businesses, communities and the economy.”

Did you know…

Community Benefits have the potential to return 1.80 for every 1.00 invested in the local community.

Organizations

Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council

The Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council (NSCSC) is a not-for-profit, industry-driven organization that partners with industry, government, and community groups to support the industrial-commercial-institutional construction sector in Nova Scotia. 

The Province of Nova Scotia has progressively included contract requirements to motivate the sector to better reflect the diverse nature of the province and strengthen our communities – and the NSCSC, in partnership with the contractors, labour organizations, and training providers is poised to help the sector facilitate this change.

The NSCSC has recently launched a Cape Breton branch office to connect the community with employment opportunities and support the development of a more diversified construction workforce. The office is referred to as the “help desk” for contractors and unions by identifying opportunities, making connections between unions and community, assisting contractors, and identifying community supports that would allow individuals to access training that leads to employment.

Organizations

Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency

The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency manages the trades training and certification system in Nova Scotia partnering with industry, community organizations, and equity groups to promote apprenticeship opportunities, and to ensure that trades-specific training is responsive to the needs of industry and the Nova Scotia job market. The agency’s vision is an industry-led apprenticeship system that builds and maintains a highly-skilled, diverse, and inclusive workforce, contributing to the economic success of Nova Scotia.

So what is Apprenticeship? Apprenticeship is a post-secondary career path that will lead to certification in a skilled trade through both classroom and work environments that are respectful and inclusive. Apprentices complete a combination of on-the-job and technical training, working under the guidance of certified journeypersons who pass on knowledge and skills.

Did you know…

For every $1.00 invested in an Apprentice, employers receive an average return of $1.47.

– The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum Handbook

Organizations

Nova Scotia Works

Nova Scotia Works is a province-wide network of employment services, helping connect people to jobs and jobs to people. Nova Scotia Works centres strive for a quality employment and career services system that is relevant and responsive to Nova Scotians, partners, and stakeholders, producing a robust, productive and inclusive Nova Scotian workforce that represents and celebrates Nova Scotia’s diversity and embraces opportunity and innovation.

Cape Breton Partnership

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The Cape Breton Job Board is Cape Breton-Unama’ki’s online platform to unite employers from across the Island to job seekers domestically and internationally. Due to Cape Breton-Unama’ki’s changing demographics and anticipated labour shortages, domestic and international talent attraction will play a key role now and into the future for the Island’s growth and prosperity.

The Cape Breton Job Board is an initiative the Cape Breton Partnership, Cape Breton Island’s private sector led economic development organization. 

Frequently Asked Questions

To discuss your opportunities to start or further your career in Cape Breton's construction sector, contact:

Rochelle Hatcher, Industry Community Engagement Coordinator, Cape Breton
Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council - ICI
902-943-6740  |   rhatcher@nscsc.ca

To explore your apprenticeship path, please contact:

Charlene Blackie, Industry Training Consultant
Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
902-574-2212 |  charlene.blackie@novascotia.ca

To further explore Cape Breton's trades unions, please contact:

Rochelle Hatcher, Industry Community Engagement Coordinator, Cape Breton
Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council - ICI
902-943-6740  |   rhatcher@nscsc.ca

The Cape Breton Job Board is Cape Breton-Unama’ki’s online platform to unite employers from across the Island to job seekers domestically and internationally. 

Visit the Cape Breton Job Board at:

http://capebretonjobboard.com/

A number of resources are available through the Province of Nova Scotia, including incentives for hiring employees, help finding employees, and other training resources/supports.

https://novascotia.ca/grow-your-business/

 

The Cape Breton Job Board is Cape Breton-Unama’ki’s online platform to unite employers from across the Island to job seekers domestically and internationally. 

Visit the Cape Breton Job Board at:

http://capebretonjobboard.com/

Contact:

Robyn Lee Seale (she/her), Diversity and Inclusion Lead
Nova Scotia Lands
902-574-5039  RobynLee.Seale@novascotia.ca

To further discuss the supports and opportunities available, please contact:

Bernadette Johnson, Site Coordinator
Women Unlimited
bernadette.johnson@nscc.ca

Maggie Budden, Project Coordinator
Office to Advance Women Apprentices, Cape Breton Office
mbudden@womenapprentices.ca

To further discuss the supports and opportunities available, please contact:

Tyler Gould, Programs Manager
Mi'kmaw Economic Benefits Office
tylergould@mebons.ca

To further discuss the supports and opportunities available, please contact:

Rochelle Hatcher, Industry Community Engagement Coordinator, Cape Breton
Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council - ICI
902-943-6740  |   rhatcher@nscsc.ca

To further discuss the supports and opportunities available, please contact:

Jenna MacKenzie, Executive Director
Pathways to Employment
jenna@pathwayscb.com

To further discuss the supports and opportunities available, please contact:

Omar Tag El-Din, Labour Market Development & Immigration Officer
Cape Breton Partnership
omar@capebretonpartnership.com

“These are generational projects that will offer Cape Breton opportunities that we have never seen and that will leave a legacy for our Island, supporting the growth of a more diverse workforce in our industry.”

– Rochelle Hatcher – Industry Community Engagement Coordinator, Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council

RochelleHatcher-Headshot-Cropped

Building Tomorrow

Latest Updates

Building Dreams in the Construction Trades 

Building Dreams in the Construction Trades 

For Cole Walker, a grade 11 student at Breton Education Centre (BEC), he’s not yet sure of the exact path he’ll follow, but there is one thing he knows for certain; his future looks very similar to his Papa’s thanks to an inspiring six months of learning in a skilled trades class, taught by one passionate professor and a community of tradespeople. 

Skilled labour needed: Open house aims to attract more people to contracting jobs in Cape Breton

Skilled labour needed: Open house aims to attract more people to contracting jobs in Cape Breton

Source: Saltwire: Being able to stay home and work in a good job meant everything to Alexis Lynk. The first female sheet metal apprentice to work in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Lynk decided to try the trade because it provides a stable career.

Milestone week for $1 billion Cape Breton healthcare project

Milestone week for $1 billion Cape Breton healthcare project

Source: Saltwire – Construction has now begun on a new eight-storey clinical services building at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital that will be home to new emergency and critical care departments, eight new surgical suites, two, 36-bed in-patient rooms (all private), maternal/newborn services and a cardiac catheterization lab.

Skilled trades industry fosters rewarding careers for women

Skilled trades industry fosters rewarding careers for women

Source: SaltWire – There has never been a better time for women to pursue a career in the skilled trades. With over 70 skilled trade occupations in Nova Scotia to choose from and a high demand for trades professionals, there are many excellent employment opportunities available.