New $5,000 bursary to support skilled trades students at NSCC

HALIFAX — Nova Scotia is rolling out a $5,000 bursary to support 320 students enrolling in construction programs at Nova Scotia Community College campuses (NSCC) this September.

The growing Nova Scotia’s skilled trades workforce bursary targets students facing financial hurdles, assisting with tuition and living expenses throughout their pursuit of in-demand construction trades education at various NSCC campuses across the province.

Eligible students enrolled full-time in any of the 19 construction programs must demonstrate financial need and be in their first year of studies when applying.

While priority is given to equity-deserving groups — African Nova Scotians, Indigenous

peoples, individuals with disabilities and others — the bursary is accessible to all facing financial constraints.

Recipients can apply for renewal in their second year, with applications open until July 18 through NSCC’S college awards portal.

“By offering financial support to pre-apprenticeship students, with a preference to equity-deserving students, we are not only building a skilled workforce to strengthen our province’s growth, but also working collectively to create a more vibrant and representative community within the trades,” stated Michelle Bussey, CEO of the N.S. Apprenticeship Agency.

The $3.2-million initiative is part of the larger $100-million effort by the province to attract and train more individuals in the skilled trades sector, aiming to increase apprenticeship numbers and improve certification rates.