The Building to Zero Exchange (BTZx) is leading the Workforce Readiness Roadmaps project to assess and strengthen Nova Scotia’s workforce capabilities for net-zero buildings and deep retrofits. This initiative aims to identify skill gaps, align training programs with industry needs, and support the transition to a low-carbon built environment.
Approach
BTZx will engage a consultant to conduct a province-wide workforce gap analysis, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning to ensure that the construction industry has the necessary skills and training to meet evolving sustainability requirements.
This project is a collaborative effort that will engage industry leaders, policymakers, training institutions, and trade associations to develop a clear roadmap for workforce readiness. The findings will support future training programs, guide workforce policies, and facilitate industry adaptation to net-zero building practices.
Project Goals & Objectives
The Workforce Readiness Roadmaps Project is designed to:
- Assess the current workforce landscape for net-zero buildings and retrofits in Nova Scotia.
- Identify key skills gaps in sustainable construction, electrification, and energy-efficient building practices.
- Engage stakeholders to gather insights on workforce needs, training opportunities, and barriers to employment.
- Develop industry-wide key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure workforce readiness.
- Provide recommendations for improving workforce training and industry capacity-building efforts.
The consultant will lead research, stakeholder engagement, and strategic development, while BTZx will facilitate industry collaboration, ensure alignment with regional policies, and oversee project implementation.
Why Workforce Readiness Matters
Growing Demand for Skilled Workers
Nova Scotia is facing an increasing demand for trained professionals in net-zero construction, energy-efficient retrofits, and building electrification. Without a structured workforce development plan, industry progress toward sustainability targets may be delayed due to a lack of skilled labor.
Regulatory & Policy Alignment
With National Building Code 2020 updates taking effect in April 2025, and Nova Scotia’s Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth in full force, construction professionals must be trained to meet new performance standards and regulatory requirements.
Aging Workforce & Transition Challenges
A significant portion of the skilled workforce is nearing retirement, creating an urgent need to train the next generation of construction professionals while upskilling the current workforce to adapt to modern building practices.
Economic & Industry Growth
A well-prepared workforce attracts investment, stimulates job creation, and supports innovation in sustainable construction. By developing a strategic workforce roadmap, Nova Scotia can lead in green building practices while ensuring economic resilience.
Consultant Responsibilities & Project Scope
The consultant hired for this project will be responsible for:
Conducting a Workforce Gap Analysis
- Identify current workforce trends and future needs for net-zero and deep retrofit projects.
- Analyze existing training programs and their alignment with sustainability requirements.
- Assess barriers to workforce participation, including accessibility, equity, and geographical distribution.
Developing a Workforce Asset Map
- Identify key industry players, training providers, and workforce development organizations.
- Clarify the roles of institutions in delivering skills training and professional development.
Facilitating Stakeholder Engagement
- Organize roundtable discussions, surveys, and interviews with industry leaders.
- Gather insights on workforce readiness, training needs, and industry challenges.
Defining Industry KPIs & Workforce Roadmap
- Establish clear metrics for evaluating workforce readiness in the construction sector.
- Develop a long-term roadmap outlining steps for upskilling and training expansion.
Providing Policy & Training Recommendations
- Offer actionable recommendations for workforce development strategies.
- Align findings with provincial and national workforce policies.
BTZx will provide strategic oversight, industry connections, and coordination support to ensure the project aligns with regional priorities.
Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
The Workforce Readiness Roadmaps Project will engage a wide range of industry stakeholders to gather insights and drive workforce development efforts.
Key Stakeholder Groups:
- Industry Associations & Trade Organizations – Providing insights on sector-specific workforce challenges.
- Post-Secondary Institutions & Training Providers – Ensuring training programs meet industry needs.
- Construction Companies & Developers – Sharing firsthand knowledge of workforce gaps.
- Policymakers & Government Agencies – Aligning project outcomes with provincial workforce and climate goals.
Why Participate?
- Influence Workforce Development – Help shape policies and training programs.
- Prepare for Regulatory Changes – Ensure compliance with National Building Code 2020 updates.
- Access Skilled Talent – Contribute to solutions that improve access to trained professionals.
- Strengthen Industry Networks – Engage with key stakeholders across government, industry, and academia.
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