Canada: Nova Scotia Government Invests in Next Generation of Boatbuilders

Nova Scotia Government Invests in Next Generation of Boatbuilders

The province is helping to create the next generation of boatbuilders and protect good jobs in rural Nova Scotia. Premier Darrell Dexter on July 6th announced more than $460,000 for the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association to attract and train young workers and support apprentices.

This investment is about better jobs for young people in coastal communities, and new opportunities for the kids in school,” said Premier Darrell Dexter. “Ships Start Here captured Nova Scotians’ pride in this province’s shipbuilding tradition. This new training will help ensure boatbuilders have the skills they need for a great future. It helps create an even better Nova Scotia workforce.”

The association will also use the funding to develop a new trade, marine service technician, to train people to service, repair, refit and upgrade marine vessels.

The investment, part of the province’s jobsHere workforce strategy, is already making a difference across the province.

People already benefitting include:

  • 29 boatbuilder apprentices in 16 shipyards working to become certified boatbuilders
  • 105 certified boatbuilders who will have help with new technology to keep their skills up-to-date
  • 50 boatbuilders who have accessed training to become certified composite boatbuilders and marine electricians

These are good jobs located mainly in coastal and rural Nova Scotia communities,” said Tim Edwards, executive director, Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association.With the world changing so quickly, it can be hard to keep up with new technology, especially if you’re a small boat shop without a lot of extra resources for training. This funding will go a long way towards ensuring boatbuilders in Nova Scotia can remain competitive, continue to attract international business, and bring new boatbuilders into the industry.”

The opportunity to work on the Bluenose II is the highlight of my career so far,” said Bo Chambers, second-year apprentice, Covey Island Boatworks. “The Nova Scotia Boatbuilder Association has played a central role in my coming to Nova Scotia to become a boatbuilder, and I appreciate the provincial funding and what it has done to make the boat builder apprenticeship program available and affordable for me.”

The Nova Scotia Boatbuilder Association represents the interests of more than 80 boatbuilder organizations and related industry partners. The association’s main goal is to support growth and diversification in its industry, including the administration of the Nova Scotia Boatbuilder Apprenticeship Program.

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Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, July 11, 2012; Image: gov.ns