The QEII Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project is creating benefits beyond the construction site itself. Through the Skilled Trades and Equity Plan (STEP), the project is helping support workforce development by connecting aspiring tradespeople with practical industry experience.
Two participants from Nova Scotia’s pipe trades pre-employment program recently completed work placements on the QEII Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project with Modern Niagara – an exciting achievement that reflects the project’s growing impact on workforce development in the province.
Funded by the Province of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, the free 15-week introductory pipe trades program helps participants build foundational skills and gain hands-on industry experience. A two-week work placement is included as part of the program.
The program focuses on supporting equity-deserving individuals, including Indigenous Peoples, African Nova Scotians, racially visible individuals, persons with disabilities, newcomers, and women. Placements like these provide valuable exposure to real construction environments and help participants build confidence and practical experience for future careers in the skilled trades.
These placements are part of the Skilled Trades and Equity Plan (STEP), a collaborative initiative led by Build Nova Scotia and PCL Construction to help build a more inclusive and resilient construction workforce in Nova Scotia.
Working closely with government, industry and community partners, STEP aims to increase apprenticeship participation, strengthen certification pathways, and reduce barriers to training and employment opportunities in the skilled trades.