The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, in partnership with the Housing Construction Council, is launching FREE Skilled Trades Camps for youth ages 11-15 across Cape Breton and Annapolis Valley. 

In our Skilled Trades Camps, youth will explore Carpentry, Culinary, and Automotive Trdes. Each trade will have a Red Seal Instructor, a Youth Ambassador, and Chaperones. Youth will spend time learning each trade and working on a trade specific project that will be showcased on the last day of camp! 

Job Opportunities 

Red Seal Instructor - Construction Trades

We are rebranding to better reflect the full scope of our work and our commitment to the future of housing construction. The name “Housing Construction Council” represents a broader, more inclusive focus on the entire housing construction industry. This shift aligns us with provincial and national housing priorities, strengthens our ability to attract industry partners, and positions us as a leading voice in workforce development, training, and sustainability. Our new identity is designed to increase recognition, advance collaboration, and highlight the critical role we play in building a skilled and resilient housing construction sector.

The Housing Construction Council Nova Scotia is seeking Red Seal Construction Trades Instructors to support the delivery of Skilled Trades Youth Camps for youth ages 11–15. The Construction Instructor will lead safe, hands-on, age-appropriate construction activities that introduce youth to basic tools, materials, measuring, layout, assembly, and skilled trades pathways.

This role is ideal for a Red Seal carpenter or construction tradesperson who enjoys mentoring youth, creating positive learning environments, and helping young people see themselves in the skilled trades.

Key Responsibilities

The Construction Instructor will:

• Deliver hands-on construction activities for youth ages 11–15
• Lead basic workplace safety talks and reinforce safe tool use
• Support youth in completing a small construction project, such as a birdhouse,  bat house or toolbox 
• Introduce foundational skills such as measuring, marking, cutting, fastening, layout, assembly, fit, and finish
• Adapt instruction to suit youth with different comfort levels and learning styles
• Work with Youth Ambassadors, chaperones, and HCC staff to supervise up to 20 youth during each rotation
• Model professionalism, teamwork, communication, and pride in the trades
• Support Friday showcase activities and help celebrate participant learning
• Ensure tools, materials, and workspaces are used safely and respectfully
• Communicate any safety, behavioural, or participant support concerns to HCC staff

Required Qualifications

• Red Seal certification in carpentry or a relevant construction trade
• Strong commitment to safety and inclusive learning
• Ability to explain skills clearly to beginners
• Experience mentoring apprentices, learners, or youth is an asset
• Clear Child Abuse Registry Check
• Clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search  - a letter will be provided upon acceptance
• Valid driver’s licence and access to reliable transportation preferred

Camp Locations and Dates

• Horton High School, Greenwich: July 6–10, 2026
• Middleton Regional High School: July 13–17, 2026

Wage and Time Commitment

Wage: $65.00/hour
Hours Paid: Up to 40 hours per camp week
Participant-facing teaching time: Approximately 9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., depending on site schedule
Additional paid time includes: daily preparation, setup, safety review, cleanup, team check-ins, material organization, Friday showcase support, and coordination with HCC staff.

Travel may be compensated where pre-approved by HCC and in accordance with project budget and travel processes. 

Youth Ambassador

Reporting to and working under the direction of the Project Coordinator for Skilled Trades Camp, the Ambassador supports the effective delivery of the Skilled Trades Camps, while encouraging campers to engage and showcase their skills, sharing their experience in the trades and their path of education/employment.

The Skilled Trades Camp Ambassador plays a key support role in delivering a safe, engaging, and hands-on construction experience for youth participants. Working alongside a certified Red Seal carpenter, mechanic or chef, the Ambassador assists campers in completing practical projects while promoting safe tool use, teamwork, and confidence-building. 

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Red Seal carpenter in daily camp activities and project execution
• Assist youth participants in completing construction tasks such as measuring, cutting, hammering, assembling, and painting
• Provide hands-on guidance with tools including hand saws, hammers, and paint brushes
• Reinforce proper safety procedures and ensure all participants are using tools correctly
• Help set up and clean up workstations, tools, and materials before and after activities
• Encourage participation, engagement, and positive behavior among campers
• Monitor participants to ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment
• Act as a positive role model and mentor for youth exploring the skilled trades 
• Involves supervising youth in the workshop setting. 

Qualifications & Skills

• Interest in construction, carpentry, or the skilled trades
• Experience working with youth (camp, coaching, mentoring, or classroom support) is an asset
• Basic knowledge of hand tools and construction practices preferred
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to take direction and work collaboratively in a team environment
• Patient, approachable, and safety-conscious 

Camp Locations and Dates

• Horton High School, Greenwich: July 6–10, 2026
• Riverview High School, Sydney: July 6–10, 2026
• Middleton Regional High School: July 13–17, 2026
• Cabot High School, North Harbour: July 13–17, 2026
• Strait Area Education & Recreation Centre: July 20–24, 2026
• Dr. J.H. Gillis Regional High School, Antigonish: July 27–31, 2026

Wage and Time Commitment

Salary: $25.00/hour, (avg 35 hours per week), travel compensated based on provincial rates

Hours: Standard weekday hours, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Requirements: Apprentice in a relevant trade, Child Abuse Registry Check, Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sector Check, valid driver's license and vehicle access with insurance.

Chaperone

Reporting to and working under the direction of the Project Coordinator for the Skilled Trades Camps , the Chaperone supports the effective delivery of the Skilled Trades Camps. The  Skilled Trades Day Camp Chaperone plays a key role in supporting youth participants during hands-on skilled trades camps. This position focuses on maintaining a safe, structured, and engaging environment while helping participants stay on task and navigate daily camp activities. 

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure participants remain on task, engaged, and actively involved in camp activities
• Adhere to all safety training, ensuring the safety of the participants at all times
• Supervise children during transitions, including safely escorting them to and from classrooms during breaks
• Provide classroom support, including working one-on-one with participants who need additional guidance or a break from activities
• Assist in creating a positive, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants
• Support instructors and facilitators in managing group dynamics and participation
• Monitor participant behavior and address minor issues, escalating concerns when necessary
• Act as a positive role model, encouraging teamwork, confidence, and curiosity

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience working with children or youth in a structured setting
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to keep participants engaged and focused in a hands-on learning environment
• Patient, adaptable, and supportive approach to working with youth
• Ability to manage transitions and supervise groups safely

Camp Locations and Dates

• Horton High School, Greenwich: July 6–10, 2026
• Riverview High School, Sydney: July 6–10, 2026
• Middleton Regional High School: July 13–17, 2026
• Cabot High School, North Harbour: July 13–17, 2026
• Strait Area Education & Recreation Centre: July 20–24, 2026
• Dr. J.H. Gillis Regional High School, Antigonish: July 27–31, 2026

Wage and Time Commitment

Type: Full-time, term (July 2026- September, 2026) 2+ positions available

Salary: $20.00/hour, (avg 30 hours per week), travel compensated based on provincial rates

Hours: Standard weekday hours, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Requirements: Child Abuse Registry Check, Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sector Check, valid driver's license and vehicle access with insurance.