Province expanding skilled-trades opportunities in high schools

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is increasing the number of opportunities for skilled trades education in high schools for the 2026-27 school year, which will provide more students with exposure to strong career pathways in skilled trades.

The expansion creates additional hours of teaching time ranging between 6.25 hours and 12.5 hours per week. The increase allows more flexibility for students to add skilled trades courses when enrolling in courses for the school year.

Skilled trades courses are being increased in 21 schools throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. They are:

• Elwood Regional High in Deer Lake
• Corner Brook Regional High in Corner Brook
• Discovery Collegiate in Bonavista
• Stephenville High in Stephenville
• Lewisporte Collegiate in Lewisporte
• Lakewood Academy in Glenwood
• Jane Collins Academy in Hare Bay
• Glovertown Academy in Glovertown
• Marystown Central High in Marystown
• Heritage Collegiate in Musgravetown
• Prince of Wales Collegiate in St. John’s
• Carbonear Collegiate in Carbonear
• Crescent Collegiate in Blaketown
• Holy Trinity High in Torbay
• Waterford Valley High in St. John’s
• St. Michael’s Regional High in Bell Island
• St. Catherine’s Academy in St. Catherine’s
• Exploits Valley High in Grand Falls-Windsor
• J.M. Olds Collegiate in Twillingate
• Pasadena Academy in Pasadena
• Indian River High in Springdale

The skilled trades courses being increased include Design and Fabrication 1202 and 2202, Skilled Trades 1201, Residential Construction Technology 2201, and Power and Energy 3201.

In addition, skilled trades courses have also expanded to six additional rural schools through the Centre for Learning and Development Innovation. All waitlists have been eliminated for skilled trades, creating more options for students.

The expansion supports the Blue Book commitment to expand skilled trades programs with a high school pre-apprenticeship program so high school students have the opportunity to explore and prepare for careers in the skilled trades.

Quotes

“Increasing the number of skilled tradespeople working in our province is critical as we work to strengthen the economy, revitalize rural communities, and attract new industries. By continuing to develop our skilled trades pipeline, we will be ready to meet exciting future opportunities such as Bay du Nord, Churchill Falls, and Gull Island. Giving students more exposure to the skilled trades will help our learners take their first steps on a pathway to building a rewarding career right here in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Honourable Paul Dinn

Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development

“Creating more opportunities for students to explore the skilled trades in high school is an investment in Newfoundland and Labrador’s future. By helping ignite interest in careers in the trades, we are strengthening the workforce needed to support jobs, economic growth, and opportunities in communities throughout our province.”

Honourable Lin Paddock

Minister of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development