As a youth apprentice, you can earn while you learn, get a head start in a career in the trades and complete high school, all at the same time. Plus, you get exposure to the trades through the direct supervision and mentoring of a certified journeyperson.
In Nova Scotia, you may register as a youth apprentice if you’re 16 to 19 years of age and work part or full-time in one of Nova Scotia’s designated trades. There is no fee to register. Youth Apprenticeship can provide you with the opportunity to explore a designated trade, and actively encourages you to experience the trades through community-based learning options in the public schools system, such as co-operative education placements and Options and Opportunities (O2). If you participate in these activities, you are eligible to receive apprenticeship credit leading to future apprenticeship certification.
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
BECOME AN APPRENTICE
Once a potential apprentice and an employer decide to enter into an apprenticeship agreement, an application package must be completed, signed and submitted to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.
To become an apprentice (including Youth Apprentice, 16 to 19 years old) in the trade in which you are employed, you must be supervised in the workplace by a certified journeyperson. In Nova Scotia, if you are currently working in one of the compulsory certified trades, contact the apprenticeship office nearest you and ask to speak with an Industry Training Consultant about how to obtain a temporary permit. A temporary permit allows individuals to continue to work in the trade while the registration process takes place.
Discuss the apprenticeship program with your employer and find out if they are willing to sign an apprenticeship agreement with you. Then, register as an apprentice!
Learn more about the Culinary Institute of Canada.
The Red Seal program was established to provide greater mobility across Canada for skilled workers. Through the program, both apprentices who have completed their training and certified journeypersons are able to obtain a Red Seal endorsement on their Certificate of Qualification by successfully completing a Red Seal Examination.
The Red Seal endorsement is a recognized standard in jurisdictions across Canada, one that employers look for as an indication of skills and competency. Once you obtain the Red Seal endorsement, you can work anywhere in Canada without further training or examination. Individuals in the categories below may be eligible to apply to challenge the Red Seal Exam or apply for provincial certification.