What is the consortium? The Consortium will work with government, industry partners and other stakeholders throughout New Brunswick to create a province wide streamlined approach to increase opportunities and labour market participation in the skilled trades.

How we got here? In 2022, CANB along with NBBTU and Skilled Trades NB commissioned a jurisdictional scan of skilled trades delivery in N.B. Through industry consultation, a consortium model similar to sector councils was preferred to ensure underrepresented groups were being targeted by existing programs.

What has happened so far? In September 2024, CANB hired two new staff to ensure the success of the consortium. Dr Francis Bennett was hired as the Senior Director of Workforce Strategy and is responsible for leading the creation, development, implementation, and evaluation of activities of a new construction arm of the CANB. Tara Cranna will be responsible for the research and the development of policies and legislation to support the growth of skilled trades awareness and labor market participation.

Next Steps: CANB issued an open call for interested parties in joining the CANB Skilled Trades Consortium. Deadline for submission was December 31st, 2024.  Kickoff event is tentatively scheduled for February 26th, 2025