Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency's Youth Skilled Trades Camps provide hands-on experiences for youth in grades 7 through 9 across the province to discover skilled trades at no cost. Explore a new trade each day - such as carpentry, welding, automotive service repair, culinary and more - and discover careers that shape our communities.
Why attend?
- Explore a new trade each day and discover which ones you like most.
- Experience lots of variety with new activities each day.
- Take part in hands-on learning led by NSCC faculty.
- Get an early start exploring what skilled trades careers are like.
- See what it’s like to learn trades at a college campus.
March Break camp dates and locations
*Workshops are subject to change based on availability. Participants will be notified of any updates to the program.
Kingstec Campus, March 16 to 20, 2026
Applications open January 12-15, 2026
(Automotive Service Repair, Carpentry, Machining and Plumbing)*
Ivany Campus, March 16 to 20, 2026
Applications open January 12 - 15, 2026
(Boat Building, Carpentry, Electrical Installation, and Refrigeration & Air Conditioning)*
Camp details
- Cost: Free
- Time: 9 am to 3:30 pm
- Capacity: 60 campers in grades 7 through 9 per camp. Campers must be 12 years of age (minimum) at the start of camp.
- Important note: Campers must attend the Monday of the Skilled Trades Camp for mandatory safety training. Campers who do not attend safety training will not be permitted to attend the remainder of the week.
- Lunch is provided.
- All personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided.
- Participants take home what they build.
New for March Break 2026: How to Apply
The Skilled Trades Camps have become increasingly popular over the past 2 years and we're aiming to simplify the application process. We encourage all eligible youth to apply including youth from Mi’kmaw, Indigenous, African Nova Scotian, and under-represented communities. Here’s how it works.
- Apply online: Fill out 1 application per child during the 72-hour window.
- Lottery selection: After applications close, spots are filled by random draw.
- Watch your inbox: If your child is a successful applicant and receives a space in camp or is waitlisted, you’ll hear from us within 5 business days.
- Final step: confirm your spot: Complete the registration and consent forms within 1 week of your confirmation email to secure the space in camp.
Important March Break 2026 application dates:
- Jan 12: Applications open at 9 am
- Jan 15: Applications close at 9 am
- Jan 21: Notification emails sent by 3 pm