Explore the Trades in Nova Scotia

As an apprentice:

• You learn from an experienced and certified journeyperson while working on the job
• You get paid while you learn
• You can start your apprenticeship at any time throughout the year

Apprenticeship is a form of post-secondary education for both young and mature individuals who want to become certified to work in a skilled trade. It is a combination of technical training and on-the-job training where skilled trades professionals (certified journeypersons) pass on knowledge and skills to learners (apprentices).

Apprenticeship begins with a contractual agreement between an apprentice and an employer and the NSAA. The apprentice agrees to work for the employer as a paid employee who will also receive supervised, on-the-job training and experience and the opportunity to participate in the necessary technical training (in-class or online training). In the workplace, apprentices are supervised by an experienced and certified trades professional who tracks both their hours and competencies in the practical skills of the trade.

Earn money while you learn! As an apprentice, you receive a salary from the employer that hires you. This salary increases as each stage of the program is successfully completed.

Little to no student debt
Another big benefit of apprenticeship training is that debt loads after completion of apprenticeships are much lower, since apprentices “earn while they learn.” You may also be eligible for taxable financial awards and tax credits. Click HERE for more information.

Job opportunities
Skilled trades professionals are in demand in Nova Scotia and across the country. A good work ethic, a can-do attitude will provide you with the tools needed to find a job when you start a career in the skilled trades. Your certification is recognized across Canada!

Mentorship and hands-on training
As an apprentice, you will have an opportunity to learn high level skills through personal, on-the-job training from a highly qualified journeyperson.

Skills to last a lifetime
As an apprentice, the skills you learn will not only last a lifetime, they will also open doors to other opportunities. You can take advanced training to continue developing your talent and work your way into challenging and rewarding careers in management or teaching. Many trades professionals start their own businesses.

To become an apprentice, you need to have a job working with an experienced and certified trades professional. Registering as an apprentice involves a contract that is signed by both the apprentice and the employer. You will receive training towards earning a Certificate of Qualification in one of Nova Scotia’s designated trades.

No. You will learn your trade mostly on the job. You will attend some technical training as you progress throughout your apprenticeship journey.

Apprentices with prior workplace experience or training in a trade or related trade may be eligible to receive advanced credit towards an apprenticeship program. At the time of registration, an apprentice may apply for a credit of hours for prior workplace experience.

Additionally, at the time of registration, an apprentice may apply for credit of theory and practical experience (hours) gained from pre-employment training. Nova Scotia will recognize approved programs.

If the apprentice is already certified or has partially completed an apprenticeship in a related trade, they may be eligible for additional credit. If this is the case, the apprentice should contact their Industry Training Consultant.

Apprenticeship is an affordable pathway to becoming a certified trades professional. As an apprentice, the salary you receive from the employer that hires you increases as each stage of the program is successfully completed. Plus, there may be financial supports available to help cover other costs of the program. Tuition for your technical training is free! Explore awards, grants and loans here.

You can contact the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency at:

apprenticeship@novascotia.ca
Toll Free (NS): 1-800-494-5651