Build Skills, Unlock Opportunity, Strengthen Futures.

The Africadian Empowerment Academy (AEA) advances education and economic participation in Nova Scotia—particularly for people of African descent—through skilled trades pathways, youth leadership development, workforce readiness training, and structured mentorship.

The Challenge

Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not always equitable.

Across Nova Scotia, youth and adults especially people of African descent, continue to face barriers to apprenticeship registration, industry networks, trade certification, and stable employment.

Limited exposure. Restricted access. Systemic inequities. Without intentional pathways, talent remains untapped.

AEA exists to change that.

Our Approach

AEA delivers structured, supported pathways into skilled trades and workforce participation.

We do this through:

  • Exposure and career exploration
  • Apprenticeship connection and registration support
  • Employer partnerships
  • Workforce readiness training
  • Mentorship and leadership development
  • Red Seal examination preparation 

 

We work with participants from first introduction to certification and employment.

How It Works

1

Explore a program aligned with your goals

2

Apply through our structured intake process

3

Train with mentorship and professional preparation

4

Connect to employers and apprenticeship pathways

5

Advance toward certification and long-term career growth

Some Impact Snapshot

20 welding apprentices trained in the first Pathways to Shipbuilding cohort (2018)
Many are now employed and Red Seal certified
19 participants enrolled in the 2024 metal fabrication diploma cohort
Ongoing apprenticeship registrations and employer placements

Delivered in partnership with: Irving Shipbuilding Inc, Nova Scotia Community College and Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency

Investing in minds and transforming communities

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