The Cape Breton Trades Exhibition Centre, a new hub to promote careers in the skilled trades and support construction training in the region, will open in downtown Sydney in 2027.
It will provide hands-on learning experiences for students and jobseekers, showcase a wide range of construction trades and offer space for apprenticeship technical training and exams.
“Our government is investing in the people who are building Nova Scotia,” said Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “With a permanent home now identified in Sydney, the new Cape Breton Trades Exhibition Centre will make it easier for young people, mid-career workers, veterans and newcomers to explore rewarding careers in the trades close to home and help employers find the talent they need.”
To be located in the former Ascendo Fitness building at 147 Prince Street following renovations, the project is part of the Province's $10-million investment announced in 2025 to support the construction industry.
The centre will feature about 15 interactive trade booths representing construction careers across the industrial, commercial, institutional and residential sectors.
Visitors, including young adults and students, will be able to try tools and equipment in a safe, supervised environment, learn about apprenticeship pathways, and talk directly with industry partners.
The facility will also include classroom space for apprenticeship training and upgrading, as well as a testing centre to support apprenticeship exams. The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency will provide guidance to prospective apprentices, employers and community partners on-site.
The industry-led steering committee developing the project includes representatives from:
- Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council
- Construction Association of Nova Scotia
- Cape Breton Island Building and Construction Trades Council
- Nova Scotia Construction Labour Relations Association
- Merit Contractors Association of Nova Scotia
- Housing Construction Council Nova Scotia
- Canadian Home Builders' Association of Nova Scotia
- Mainland Nova Scotia Building Trades Council
Quotes:
“We are so proud to see this shared industry and government vision coming to fruition in Cape Breton/Unama’ki. It is truly a partnership that is setting a new standard for youth engagement, career awareness and training – building off the success of our first Trades Exhibition Centre. With a location now set, we are excited to see the space come to life through partnerships with employers, labour representatives, training providers, the apprenticeship agency and the local community – all with youth, career seekers, career transitioners and apprentices top of mind. Students, teachers, families and so many more can look forward to exploring opportunities in the skilled trades with industry professionals as we continue to change how we see construction and trades in Nova Scotia.”
— Trent Soholt, Executive Director, Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council
“Seeing is believing. The Cape Breton Trades Exhibition Centre provides a unique opportunity to individuals to explore the world of possibilities in the construction industry. Being able to use real tools and simulators opens possibilities that a young person may not have ever had a chance to experience before. There is nothing that replaces hands-on experience.”
— Duncan Williams, President and CEO, Construction Association of Nova Scotia
Quick Facts:
- the new centre will be the second of its kind in the province, complementing the Trades Exhibition Hall in Halifax
- about $6 million from the Province’s industry investment is earmarked to obtain, renovate and operate the new centre over five years
- the project is expected to engage about 25,000 visitors in the first five years through school visits, community groups and public outreach
- the Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council will act as project manager on behalf of the industry-led steering committee