New brand unveiled to boost interest in skilled trades

MONCTON (GNB) - The provincial government has launched Skilled Trades NB, its vision for the future of skilled trades and apprenticeship in New Brunswick.

"Promoting career paths in skilled trades is critical for the future of our province," said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Greg Turner. "We are excited to launch Skilled Trades NB, which will help bring recognition to apprenticeship as a viable and desirable educational pathway and promote it as a leading post-secondary program across the province."

The new brand aims to raise the profile of the apprenticeship program among employers and potential participants, and to build on recent growth of the program.

Since 2019-20, there has been a 20 per cent increase in registered apprentices, a 77 per cent increase in the number of women apprentices, and a 68 per cent increase in the number of Indigenous apprentices.

Turner said Skilled Trades NB, formerly the apprenticeship and occupational certification branch, will continue to support development of a diverse skilled trades workforce by delivering an inclusive apprenticeship training program. Training consists of industry mentorship and hands-on experience, along with classroom learning. Graduates of these two-, three- and four-year programs are issued a diploma of apprenticeship and, in most cases, a nationally recognized Red Seal certification.

In addition to the educational component, Skilled Trades NB provides guidance and support to apprentices as they navigate the certification process.

Labour force projections indicate about 10,000 workers in the construction sector alone will be needed over the next 10 years, representing about 30 per cent of current employment in that sector. Boosting participation in the skilled trades and promoting and supporting apprenticeship is a goal of the government's three-year Residential Construction and Manufacturing Action Plan.

"Today's apprentices are tomorrow's industry leaders," said Turner. "Careers in the skilled trades are incredibly rewarding and offer a sense of pride, knowing you are building this province from the ground up. We also believe that Skilled Trades NB will help create a greater sense of pride, identity and accomplishment for those who are associated with it."

The apprenticeship and occupational certification branch was established in 1942 to support the skilled trades in the province.