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This summer, a partnership between the Learning Exchange and New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) is breaking down barriers and building up confidence for local youth and young adults. Through the Skilled Trades Exploration Pilot Project for Youth, participants are gaining hands-on experience in carpentry, electrical, and plumbing—earning high school credits while building essential workplace skills inside NBCC’s Mobile Training Centre (MTC), a fully equipped classroom on wheels.

“At the heart of the Learning Exchange’s mission is empowering youth to discover their path forward, through innovative programming and impact-driven partnerships that address their evolving needs,” says Christina Fowler, Learning Exchange CEO. “Through learner-centered education, exposure to skilled trades, and direct access to coaching and post-secondary pathways, we work to break the cycle of generational poverty. With consistent mentoring, focused support, and skill-building opportunities, youth begin to envision a future for themselves gaining the confidence, resilience, and capabilities needed to thrive in both work and life.”

Launched on July 7, 2025, the seven-week program runs until August 21 and is designed to strengthen employment pathways for youth who are not yet connected to education or work. Delivered by ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëùinstructors inside the College’s Mobile Training Centre, the program features project-based training in carpentry, electrical, and plumbing. Thanks to the support of Port Saint John, the custom-built 53-foot MTC trailer with 1,000 square feet of customizable learning space is set up at Lower Cove Loop, where it has become the hub of this innovative learning experience.

Participants were able to enroll in one, two, or all three courses, depending on the number of elective credits they required. Each cohort has space for up to 16 learners, with most youth participating in two or more modules— serving a total of 23 individual students across the program. The electrical course wrapped up on July 17, the plumbing course is currently underway, and the final carpentry module will begin in August. To identify eligible participants, more than 50 current students at The Learning Exchange were screened to assess their interest and determine whether they would benefit from the academic credit offered through the program.

“The goal of our Mobile Training Centre is simple: remove barriers and bring education to where it’s needed most,” says Mary Butler, ²»Á¼Ñо¿ËùPresident & CEO. “With this partnership and program, it shows the power of flexible learning and community collaboration in action. We’re proud to be part of a solution that is helping youth, and at the same time, supporting workforce development in New Brunswick.”

This pilot project is a collaborative community effort to support youth success by helping them develop essential life and workplace skills, pursue further education and training, and take meaningful steps toward employment. It is made possible through guidance from the Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative (BCAPI) and the Saint John Construction Association, with funding from The Community Foundation Saint John and Working NB.

“Among all provinces, New Brunswick has the highest rate of young adults (aged 20 to 29) who are NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) – 18.2%. (Canadian avg is 13.8%),” shares Arlene Dunn, Co-Chair of BCAPI’s Youth Employment Working Group. “That’s a troubling sign for our youth and local economy, and it’s why BCAPI has made this a core priority for our Youth Employment Working Group. Our business leaders are working in concert with community and government leaders to prevent and reduce NEET. This initiative is an example of the power of collective impact in Saint John, and the excellent work our community partners are doing on this important file.”

To learn more about this initiative or explore future opportunities, visit , and for details about the Mobile Training Centre and other ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëùprograms, visit .

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Event photos available .

MEDIA CONTACT:

Strategic Communications Team, NBCC
communications@nbcc.ca

ABOUT NBCC:

As one of New Brunswick’s largest postsecondary education institutions, ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëùdrives social and economic wellbeing across the province. ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëùwelcomes more than 12,000 learners each year through quality-assured, relevant training opportunities. ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëùis committed to accelerating skills development, innovating educational delivery, and reaching unprecedented numbers of New Brunswickers. Find out more at: .

ABOUT LEARNING EXCHANGE:

The Learning Exchange is committed to empowering youth and adults in Saint John to reach their education and employment goals. For over 40 years, the Learning Exchange has pioneered innovative programs that meet the needs of the community by providing an alternative and progressive environment focused on individualized learning, employment, and personal development plans that meet the unique needs of everyone who walks through our doors. Find out more at:

ABOUT BCAPI:

The Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative is a collaborative of GSJ business leaders who are passionate about strengthening our city/province and ending lifelong poverty. Recognizing that child poverty is a serious problem that seeds lifetime poverty with costly consequences for all, BCAPI focuses on solutions that remove children’s barriers to wellbeing, education achievement, and workforce attachment. And engages leaders from all sectors to work purposefully together to help every child succeed, cradle to career. Find out more at: .