Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship is an agreement between an individual and an employer.  The individual agrees to work for the employer at a set rate of pay, and the employer agrees to provides supervision, technical training and on-the-job experience.  The on-the-job experience makes up 85% of the program, the other 15% will be in-class technical training.  In the Apprenticeship Program 2000 hours equal one year of training.  Depending on which Trade you are in, it will take you between 4000-8000 hours to complete your training and qualify for a Certificate of Qualification. 

There are 61 Designated Trades in Nova Scotia, 31 of which have apprenticeship training.  For a listing of the Designated Trade click here

As an apprentice you will gain

• Practical on the job training
• Income while you learn (Depending on the Trade, 40 to 90 percent of what a fully qualified person would make)
• Qualifications that will provide excellent opportunities to find employment

To become an apprentice you must have completed grade 12 or an acceptable equivalent of education and/or experience.  You will need to find an employer that can provide training you through a formal apprenticeship program.

Training is provided by Cape Breton University and several campuses of the Nova Scotia Community College.  You will also have to pay for any text books and/or classroom materials.

For more information on apprenticeship go to www.nsapprenticeship.ca