Today, Irving Shipbuilding Inc. (ISI) and Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) announced the Irving Shipbuilding Marine Trades Initiative. The $3.306M investment will create 80 new, fully funded trades spots at NSCC beginning in September 2025.
The Irving Shipbuilding Marine Trades Initiative will offer specialized training in welding, metal fabrication, and pipe trades, equipping students with the essential skills required in today's evolving marine sector. This initiative is an investment in the future of Canada’s marine industry, removing barriers and providing training opportunities for new skilled tradespeople.
ISI will cover the costs of all aspects of the training for 80 students for the two-year diploma program. Participants will apply through ISI and be enrolled directly by NSCC as full-time students.
Under the National Shipbuilding Strategy Value Proposition, ISI is committed to investing 0.5% of contract value in research and initiatives to support a vibrant and sustainable marine industry in Canada.
“We are pleased to announce the Irving Shipbuilding Marine Trades Initiative. This program will create opportunities for more Canadians to build rewarding careers in the trades, while strengthening our world-class marine sector. Investing in skilled talent is essential to the long-term growth and viability of Canada’s marine industry.”
Lee Fromson, Vice President Supply Chain and Quality, Irving Shipbuilding
“The National Shipbuilding Strategy is building more than ships. Through this initiative, the Irving Shipbuilding Centre of Excellence, and other Value Proposition initiatives, we are developing a stronger marine industry across Canada.”
Aaron Plamondon, Director of Industrial Participation, Irving Shipbuilding
“We’re so proud to continue to work with Irving Shipbuilding to strengthen the skilled trades workforce and marine sector as a whole. This is an important investment in both the future of the industry and in the lives of those who choose to study and work in the field."
Don Bureaux, President, Nova Scotia Community College
About Irving Shipbuilding
Irving Shipbuilding is Canada’s National Shipbuilder, selected in 2011 to build the new fleet of combat vessels to the Royal Canadian Navy. To date, five Arctic and Offshore Patrol ships (AOPS) have been delivered, with AOPS 6 underway. The company has commenced construction on two custom AOPS for the Canadian Coast Guard before starting the larger River-class destroyers. Over $12 billion in spending commitments have been made through 2026, with more than 678 organizations across Canada as part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy. Our team of 2,400 shipbuilders is proudly based in Halifax, NS and includes the largest team of apprentices in Atlantic Canada. www.shipsforcanada.ca
About Nova Scotia Community College
NSCC is located in Mi’kma’ki, the unceded territory and traditional homeland of the Mi’kmaq Nation. This land is governed by the treaties of Peace and Friendship, which the Mi’kmaq and the British Crown first signed in 1726. The College is committed to building Nova Scotia's economy and quality of life through education and innovation, transforming Nova Scotia one learner at a time. NSCC offers more than 130 career-oriented programs throughout the province at our 14 campuses, including our online eCampus. Programs are offered through five academic schools – Access, Education and Language; Business and Creative Industries; Health and Human Services; Technology and Environment; and Trades and Transportation. These reflect Nova Scotia’s labour market needs and opportunities. An annual survey of NSCC graduates shows that 92% are employed one year after graduation, most in their field of study, with 93% of those employed living and working in Nova Scotia.