News release

New Trades Building at Marconi Campus of NSCC

Education (July 1999 - March 2013)

Students at the Sydney campus of Nova Scotia Community College will soon be learning in a state-of-the-art skilled trades building.

Premier Darrell Dexter announced today, March 22, the construction of a new $6-million home at the Marconi campus for five programs, including a new combined metal fabrication/welding program.

"This investment is the right decision for Nova Scotia families," said Premier Dexter. "The project is a reflection of government's commitment to create good jobs and grow the economy."

The two-storey building will feature shop space, classrooms, offices and a green design meeting Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.

"We are thrilled with this investment in trades training at the Marconi Campus in Cape Breton," said Joan McArthur-Blair, president of NSCC. "Learning in a LEED-standard building aligns exactly with NSCC's environmental sustainability agenda and will serve the green economies that are growing in Nova Scotia."

Marconi principal Dave McLean welcomes a state-of-the-art facility for Cape Breton.

"This new building will prepare graduates with the advanced training needed for the trades and technology sectors, and will help address the forecasted labour shortages in Nova Scotia," he said.

The building will also house the automotive service technician, motorcycle and power products, and heavy duty truck and transport programs.

"This building will give Marconi students a modern, well-equipped, flexible learning facility that will prepare them for the opportunities of tomorrow," Premier Dexter said.

The province will contribute $4.5 million to the project with NSCC adding $1 million. Government is identifying potential sources for the remaining $500,000.

Construction of the 27,000-square-foot building will begin this spring and take a year to complete.

More than 2,400 full and part-time students are enrolled at Marconi, one of NSCC's 13 campuses.