Course participants Zubain Rafiq, Colby Redmond and instructor Charlie Brown. Photo: Submitted
The Nova Scotia government announced a new partnership with the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association that aims to address the labour shortage in the provinces boatbuilding industry.
“We have a long, storied history of boatbuilding in Nova Scotia and a deep connection to the water,” said Jill Balser, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “The industry employs more than 1,000 people, particularly in rural areas. Investments in skills development give life to the industry and help prepare and attract the next generation of Nova Scotia boatbuilders.”
The Province is investing $238,000 in an eight-week training program in composites fabrication.
The training will be offered by NSCC and include hands-on learning for participants.
Three South Shore companies are hosting the hands-on component this fall: RPS Composites in Mahone Bay, Stelia North America in Lunenburg and Dagley’s Boatworks in East Lahave.
Hands-on training during the winter 2022 course will take place at A.F. Theriault & Son Ltd. in Meteghan River.
Jan Fullerton is the Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Boatbuilding Association and she said the industry is in need of trained staff. “The jobs are out there, it’s just we need people to fill them,” Fullerton said.
The industry currently employs around 1,000 people but Fullerton said retirement as well as an aging population are contributing factors to the labour shortage.
The program is currently operating on a trail basis and so far it’s garnering positive feedback, especially from the participants. One of those participants, Zubain Rafiq said, “There’s a sense of accomplishment, building something from scratch. We didn’t have skills in the beginning to build this stuff, but now, looking at it, we’ve come a long way. It’s really fulfilling. I’d like to continue building.”
Ten seats were allocated to both the fall 2021 and winter 2022 courses; the boatbuilders association is looking to add additional seats to the winter course for a total of 20 participants.
Applications are now open and can be made directly to the Nova Scotia Boatbuilding Association or through a Nova Scotia Works office.
