Skilled Trades courses are the starting point for Nova Scotia High School students who want to explore the skilled trades as a possible career option in Grade 10. 

These courses are based on courses that immerse students in the realities of skilled trades work. They were designed by high school teachers and experienced trades educators from the Nova Scotia Community College in consultation with industry representatives. 

Currently there are over 22 High Schools in NS offering skilled trades, with more coming online each year. 

HRCE has skilled trades sites at:

Bay View High

Cole Harbour District High School

Sackville High School

Eastern Shore District High School

The Skilled Trades courses you can take in trade centre high schools are currently comprised of 

Skilled Trades 10 

Skilled Trades 10 will engage students in an investigation into the skilled trades, the impact that they have on society, and the opportunities that exist for those who pursue a livelihood by working as skilled tradespersons. In addition, Skilled Trades 10 will offer students multiple opportunities to experience the rewards that come from hands-on learning. 

A person choosing to work in the skilled trades will have to be familiar with, and able to competently use, a range of tools. These skills include, but are not limited to, the selection of appropriate tools, manual dexterity and well developed hand-eye co-ordination. 

Skilled Trades 10 will introduce the student to these skills through 

• practical exercises 

• project-based learning

•  basic trades skills

• including safety

•  measurement

• blue print reading

• construction materials

• document use

• materials handling 

Skilled Trades 10 has four units: Skilled Trades Living, Safety, Measurement and Calculation for Trades, and Tools and Materials.

The course will require a minimum of 110 hours of instruction, investigation, and physical work in the Skilled Trades Centre. Students will work individually and in groups. They will develop an appreciation for the skilled trades, professionalism and the rewards of such a life career choice. 

Construction Trades 11 

Construction Trades 11 will continue to focus on the skills developed in Skilled Trades 10 and will define them in a construction environment. 

Trades that will be examined comprise carpenter, plumber, electrician, painter-decorator, floor installer. Working in groups, students will develop skills necessary to work on a construction site. Based around a capstone project, each student will actively use the skills specific to each of the trades required to complete the project. She or he will frame, wire, plumb and finish a section of the project. Emphasis will be placed on communications, job-site safety, and professional trade practices. 

There is the building of a complete, full-scale four unit building. Each unit contains a room plus a full bathroom. The class is divided into four groups of four and each group is responsible for its unit. Students frame, rough-in, and finish the work of six different trades. 

Transportation Trades 11

Transportation Trades 11 is designed so that students begin to understand service work in an automotive setting. Students disassemble and reassemble an engine paying attention to components and making calculations that unfold the internal combustion system. Student also perform maintenance, diagnostic and other tasks on a car.

It focuses on the Automotive Service Technician, Automotive Painter, Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, Motorcycle Mechanic, Motor Vehicle Body Repairer, Parts Person, and Truck and Transport Mechanic trades. 

Manufacturing Trades 11 

It focuses on the  Machinist,  Metal Fabricator,  Sheet Metal Worker, and  Welder trades.

Skilled Trades Co-op 12.  

NEW: Jan 2019  

Service Trades 10 ( learn all about service and hospitality occupations- hotel, restaurant, etc.  and 

Culinary Arts 11 ( chef) course.