The 2026 Nova Scotia Skills Competition season has officially wrapped up, and what an incredible year it has been!
As we continue to build momentum and interest in skilled trades and technology careers, the 2026 season saw outstanding participation from across the province. We welcomed nearly 400 registered competitors who brought energy, creativity, and determination to every event. In total, 46 competition events were hosted across multiple venues throughout Nova Scotia, continuing our tradition of bringing skilled trades and technology competitions directly into communities and campuses.
Our host venues once again played a vital role in the success of the season. Competitions were held at NSCC’s Aviation Institute, Akerley Campus, Ivany Campus, and Sydney Waterfront Campus, as well as the UA Local 56 Training Facility, the Building Trades Advancement College, and the CBBC Regency Salon & Spa in Halifax. We extend our sincere thanks to every venue and partner who contributed their space, expertise, and support throughout the season.
Student engagement remained a cornerstone of our competition season. Through school tours, Career Showcases, Tech Showcase experiences, and Skilled Futures events, more than 1800 students had the opportunity to tour our competitions firsthand. These experiences allowed young people to explore career pathways, participate in hands-on Try-A-Trade® activities, and connect with industry professionals.
After a successful first full competition run, the Abilympics returned in 2026 with expanded participation and visibility. This important initiative continues to provide an inclusive and supportive platform for individuals with disabilities to demonstrate their talents. This year’s Abilympics featured competitions in: cooking, floral arrangement, job search, photography, and poster design.
None of these activities would be possible without the dedication of our partners, volunteers, judges, coaches, staff, and Program Technical Committee (PTC) members. Your commitment and passion are what bring these events to life year after year.
The level of competition in 2026 was nothing short of exceptional. Competitors consistently pushed boundaries, impressing judges with their precision and professionalism. Many events were incredibly close, with final results determined by the smallest of margins, demonstrating the high caliber of talent across the province.
To every competitor, thank you. Your hard work, resilience, and willingness to challenge yourselves are what make this competition so meaningful. Whether you stood on the podium or not, your efforts deserve recognition and celebration.
And now, without further ado, we are proud to present the winners of the 2026 Nova Scotia Skills Competition:
Aerospace Technology
Bricklaying
Sprinkler Fitter
Steamfitter / Pipefitter
Restaurant Service
Cooking (Secondary)
Cooking (Post-Secondary)
Baking (Post-Secondary)
Baking (Secondary)
Abilympics Floral Arrangement (Mainland)
Abilympics Cooking (Mainland)
Abilympics Photography (Mainland)
Abilympics Job Search (Mainland)
CNC Machining
Sheet Metal Work
3D Digital Game Art
2D Character Computer Animation
Mobile Robotics
Graphic Design Technology (Secondary)
Graphic Design Technology (POST–Secondary)
Abilympics Poster Design
Mechanical Engineering CAD
Photography (Secondary)
Photography (Post–Secondary)
Job Search
IT Office Software Applications
Aesthetics
Hairstyling
Precision Machining
Carpentry (Secondary)
Carpentry (Post-Secondary)
Welding (Post-Secondary)
Welding (Secondary)
Electrical Installations (Secondary)
Electrical Installations (Post-Secondary)
Automobile Technology
Heavy Vehicle Technology
Plumbing
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
Electronics
Job Skill Demonstration
Public Speaking
Workplace Safety
Abilympics Photography (Cape Breton)
Abilympics Job Search (Cape Breton)
Abilympics Floral Arrangement (Cape Breton)
Abilympics Cooking (Cape Breton)
Best of luck to the competitors competing in the Abilympics finals and those moving on to represent Nova Scotia at the Skills Canada National Competition!