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Apprenticeship

Sixty-five trades have official designation in the Province of Nova Scotia. Twelve of these trades are specified as compulsory certified. Individuals cannot practise a compulsory trade without meeting the requirements.

Many of the designated trades, and a number of compulsory trades, work in the construction industry.

The Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act and associated regulations set out the rules for apprentice and journeyperson training and qualifications.

Journeypersons and Apprentices
Requirement Act / Regulations
Attain an individual who holds a current certificate of qualification (journeyperson) or a registered apprentice for the twelve compulsory certified trades in Nova Scotia:

  • Automotive Service Technician
  • Automotive Service Technician (Service Station Mechanic)
  • Boilermaker
  • Bricklayer
  • Construction Electrician
  • Motor Vehicle Body Repairer (Metal and Paint)
  • Oil Burner Mechanic
  • Plumber
  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
  • Sprinkler System Installer
  • Steamfitter/Pipefitter
  • Truck and Transport Mechanic
Section 22(2) Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act
Pay wages at specified rates for designated trades and apprenticeship programs Section 25(1) Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act General Regulations and applicable individual trade regulations
Maintain minimum ratio of apprentices to journeypersons Section 23(1) Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act General Regulations and applicable individual trade regulations
Be aware of requirements of all regulated trades Applicable individual trade regulations
Ensure that journeyperson's certificate of qualification is current and that the apprentice's registration is current with your business Contact the Apprenticeship Training and Skill Development Division
Be aware of inter-provincial mobility and credential recognition Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program

More Information

Blaster Certification
Requirement Act / Regulations
Need for certified blaster Blaster Trade Regulations

Section 6 Blasting Safety Regulations