Hundreds of tradespeople building careers through QEII Expansion project

As part of Skilled Trades and Technology Week, November 2-8, the Government of Nova Scotia is highlighting that hundreds of Nova Scotia tradespeople are building their careers while helping construct the QEII Halifax Infirmary expansion, the largest healthcare infrastructure project in the province’s history.

Skilled professionals from more than two dozen trades – from carpenters and electricians to steamfitters and ironworkers – are currently working on site. According to the province, of those, 159 are new to the trades, including 86 who are registered apprentices working towards trade certification.

“The QEII expansion is not only helping transform healthcare in Nova Scotia; it’s also shining a spotlight on the crucial work of skilled trades professionals,” said Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “These are good careers with opportunities to learn, earn and grow. If you’re thinking about what comes next, I encourage you to take a closer look at the skilled trades.”

The project’s Skilled Trades and Equity Plan aims to have at least 10 per cent of hours worked by apprentices and journeypersons from underrepresented groups. Currently, 34 per cent of apprentices on the project self-identify as members of underrepresented groups.

“The QEII Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project is creating benefits that will extend far beyond the construction site,”  said David Benoit, President and CEO, Build Nova Scotia

Build Nova Scotia and PCL Construction will continue working with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council and community partners to expand opportunities.
“Building a modern acute care tower in the middle of an active hospital campus requires exceptional skill, co-ordination and commitment from every trade on site. It’s incredible to see apprentices work alongside experienced journeypersons and learn first-hand what it takes to deliver complex healthcare infrastructure of this scale,”  said Paul Knowles, SVP and District Manager, PCL Constructors Canada Inc.

There are expected to be up to 900 workers at the site during peak construction next summer, and since construction began workers have logged more than one million hours with zero lost-time incidents.

PCL Construction is leading construction of the QEII Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project as part of the Plenary PCL Health consortium.

Featured image: Skilled trades professionals work on the QEII Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project. (Build Nova Scotia)