The PREP Academy has announced a new strategic partnership with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA) to launch the African Nova Scotian Skilled Trades Strategy, an initiative designed to remove barriers and expand access to apprenticeship and skilled trades pathways for African Nova Scotian youth across the province.
The partnership represents a significant step toward addressing long-standing inequities that have limited participation in skilled trades for many African Nova Scotian communities. By combining PREP Academy’s trusted relationships with youth and families and NSAA’s leadership in apprenticeship development, the initiative will create stronger, more accessible pathways into high-demand trades careers.
“Through this partnership, PREP is proud to be part of the solution to the long-standing underrepresentation of African Nova Scotian youth in the skilled trades. Our role is not to duplicate what already exists, but to connect the dots, bridging community, training and industry to make these pathways more accessible and easier to navigate. By working alongside the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency and community partners, we’re helping ensure more African Nova Scotian students can see themselves in the trades, take that first step and be supported to stay, progress and complete their journey through community-rooted, culturally grounded support into meaningful, in-demand careers.”
— Ashley Hill, Founder and Executive Director, The PREP Academy
Through this strategy, The PREP Academy will serve as a central connector bridging community, education, and industry to ensure African Nova Scotian youth can access, navigate, and succeed within Nova Scotia’s apprenticeship system.
For many young people, barriers such as limited mentorship, lack of representation in the trades, and generational mistrust of systems have made entering these career pathways difficult. The new strategy directly addresses these challenges by providing culturally responsive mentorship, career navigation, and coordinated connections to existing skilled trades programs and apprenticeship opportunities.
“This strategy is a major step forward in creating equitable access and supports to the skilled trades. With culturally responsive coaching, family engagement and strong community partnerships, we are partnering with The PREP Academy to help set African Nova Scotian youth up for success and to strengthen workforce diversity across Nova Scotia.”
— Michelle Bussey, CEO, Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
“Nova Scotia needs more skilled workers, and we need to make sure opportunities are accessible to everyone,” said Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration.
“This new strategy will help African Nova Scotian youth see themselves in the trades and get the support they need to succeed. It’s good for young people, good for communities and good for our province.”
Over the next two years, the African Nova Scotian Skilled Trades Strategy will:
Support 80 African Nova Scotian apprentices in persisting toward certification
Develop a pipeline of at least 40 future apprentices from high school and transitional youth each year
Equip families with the knowledge and tools to support their children pursuing skilled trades careers
Increase participation of African Nova Scotian youth in existing skilled trades programs across Nova Scotia
The initiative will also encourage youth to participate in skilled trades programs as cohorts, helping foster a stronger sense of belonging and peer support in industries where African Nova Scotians have historically been underrepresented.
The strategy will connect youth to existing training and exposure opportunities including programs offered through schools, training organizations, community organizations, employers, and industry partners while providing mentorship, coaching, and culturally relevant wraparound support that helps students persist through apprenticeships and reach certification.
By strengthening partnerships with employers, postsecondary institutions, and community organizations, the initiative aims to increase representation, expand economic opportunity, and ensure African Nova Scotian youth can fully participate in Nova Scotia’s growing skilled trades workforce.
Get Involved
Individuals, organizations, and partners interested in being part of this initiative are encouraged to express their interest through the form below. This will help PREP identify and connect with those who want to engage as the strategy rolls out.