Initiatives

It’s impossible to imagine a world without construction. Skilled trades people are the professionals who build and maintain the infrastructure in which we live – our homes, roads, educational institutions, manufacturing and production facilities – just to name a few. In 2019, the construction industry in Nova Scotia employed around 35,000 people and contributed $2.2 billion to the province’s gross domestic product (GDP).

To support the work of these professionals, the Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council – Industrial-Commercial-Institutional endeavours to engage in and support initiatives that address industry-related human resource issues. Additionally, the Council strives to establish and maintain linkages and partnerships with a variety of industry stakeholders, educators, and government departments (federal, provincial, and municipal) to facilitate effective communication of these initiatives within the construction community.

• Trades Exhibition Hall

In response to demographic changes in the coming years, the NSCSC and the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education have collaborated to finance the construction of a one-of-a-kind facility that will showcase the trades of the ICI construction industry in a single venue and in an interactive and engaging way. Students, teachers, career counselors, community groups, and the general public will have the opportunity to view, try out and discuss the variety of trade/management opportunities that are available in the industry – encouraging more participation in trades as a career choice.

• Mobile Construction Experience

• Labour Market Assessment

The Labour Market Assessment project is an update of the 2007 and 2001 studies that will conduct research into the current demographics of the Nova Scotia’s ICI labour force. It will utilize a grass roots approach to gather up-to-date, accurate and reliable provincial labour market information (information will not be gathered “off the shelf”). Information gathered will provide industry and key stakeholders with the data necessary to identify current and future labour and skills supply issues and more effectively engage human resource initiatives.

• Functional Information Technology Project – Phase 3

The Functional Information Technology (FIT) Phase 3 project will continue the adoption of technologies available to industry as well as provide training in the use of the various systems and devices. It will further develop the steps needed for full scale industry adoption of technology enabled processes and solutions.

• Formwork Code of Practice

This project is developing a model/code of practice for industry adoption specific to fall arrest in the formwork sector. Adhering to government standards and reflective of owner and site recommendations, these new procedures will increase safety on construction job sites, reduce safety infractions and the risk of workforce injury for contractors and workers. It will implement a coordinated and consistent approach to working at heights in a safe manner and increase productivity and job-site consistency. This project will ensure that contractors and workers in the formwork sector have access to, understand, and put into practice clear procedures for work being conducted at heights.

Prior to 2012

• Functional Information Technology Project – Phase 2

The Functional Information Technology (FIT) Project – Phase 2 project will lead to the development of an implementation planning model for new technology adoption in the construction sector by developing a comprehensive inventory of technologies available (including descriptions, uses, benefits, hindrances, costs and productivity enhancement qualifiers). It will identify next steps for full scale industry adoption of technology enabled processes and solutions. A summary report of the findings, strategies and recommendations for next steps and industry consideration will also be compiled.

• Retention and Succession Planning – A Skills Enhancement Framework

As a follow-up to our 2009 Mobility, Retention and Succession Project, this initiative assembled best practices directly related to enhancing worker retention and succession planning capacity within the industry. It developed retention and succession strategies based on the recommendations of our earlier study and produced a practical industry specific skills enhancement framework along with resources accessible by management.

• Functional Information Technology Project

The Functional Information Technology (FIT) Project builds on the earlier IT Skills for the Workplace study by exploring new technologies available to the construction sector, the IT needs of the foremen/supervisors and how both can be accommodated for the maximum benefit to the industry.

• Construction Mobility, Retention and Succession

The Construction Mobility, Retention and Succession study project examined current retention and succession practices as well as trends in labour mobility in the ICI construction sector. Findings provided the industry with usable recommendations and strategies to navigate an ever-changing labour market. A workbook was subsequently developed to assist companies in initiating plans for workforce retention and succession

• Construction Sector Career Resource Model

The Construction Sector Career Resource Model – Barriers to Employment  delivers a comprehensive assessment of skills and abilities, disabilities, injuries, career hindrances and barriers within the ICI construction sector. It identifies strategies for industry to address these career hindrances and barriers and enhance the skill levels and employability of low-skilled and under employed workers, and reintegrate disabled and older workers in the ICI construction sector.

Additionally, this project assembled a collection of screening and aptitude tests for persons entering the construction trades along with tools for employers and employees to increase skill levels.

A series of nineteen (19) recommendations for industry to consider were identified. To access the complete report (PDF format) see below.

• Quality Management Program (QMP) Assessment

The Quality Management Program (QMP) Assessment  identifies and assesses QMPs in Nova Scotia’s ICI construction sector. Specifically, it details best/current practices and assesses the applicability of QMPs. It informs the sector of the impact/relationship to employee skill levels, occupational health and safety, human resource benefits and product/project delivery; thus, developing a detailed approach to implementing a basic QMP framework for industry firms to adopt and immediately deploy.

The NSCSC is looking to develop a basic Quality Management Program template for employers to access and adopt in the sector. The release of this program will include industry training and delivery as recommended by this study. To access the complete report (PDF format) see below.