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MONCTON, N.B. — The Government of New Brunswick has launched Skilled Trades NB, a new brand for its administration of skilled trades and apprenticeship in the province.

The rebranded department replaces the apprenticeship and occupational certification branch of the government, stated a release.

“Promoting career paths in skilled trades is critical for the future of our province,” said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Greg Turner in a statement. “We are excited to launch Skilled Trades NB, which will help bring recognition to apprenticeship as a viable and desirable educational pathway and promote it as a leading post-secondary program across the province.”

Since 2019-20, there has been a 20 per cent increase in registered apprentices, a 77 per cent increase in the number of women apprentices, and a 68 per cent increase in the number of Indigenous apprentices in the province.

The government said Skilled Trades NB will “continue to support development of a diverse skilled trades workforce by delivering an inclusive apprenticeship training program.”

Training consists of industry mentorship and on-the job experience, along with classroom learning. Graduates of two-, three- and four-year programs are issued a diploma of apprenticeship and, in most cases, a nationally recognized Red Seal certification.

Labour force projections indicate about 10,000 workers in the construction sector will be needed over the next 10 years, representing about 30 per cent of current employment in the sector.