Apprentices Receive Scholarships to Complete Training

Apprentices in Nova Scotia are eligible for financial help thanks to a new scholarship program.

The Department of Labour and Workforce Development recently awarded 29 apprentices from across the province with progression and completion awards through the Apprentice Award Trust.

"These awards will help reduce some of the financial burden faced by apprentices working toward certification," said Labour and Workforce Development Minister Mark Parent. "We hope incentives like these encourage more apprentices to continue to increase the number of certified journeypersons in Nova Scotia."

Registered apprentices who have successfully completed requirements for the third, fourth or fifth year of training, and who pass the certification exam at the end of their program, are eligible to apply for scholarships.

"These awards are coming at the right time as industry has a real need for more certified journeypersons to meet the growing technical demands of the economy and the challenges of our aging labour force," said Carol McCulloch, president of the Construction Association of Nova Scotia. "Industry is always looking for ways to partner with government to help our tradespeople succeed in this province, and these scholarships are a good example of that."

Apprentices in a four-level apprenticeship program can apply for a $350 Progression Award once they have fulfilled Level 3 requirements. Apprentices in a five-level apprenticeship program can apply for two separate grants of $350 once they meet the level 3 and 4 requirements. A completion award of $350 is also available to apprentices who have finished training requirements and received a Certificate of Apprenticeship.

"There are not too many education or training programs out there that award you for progressing through your course," said Daniel Buchannan, scholarship recipient. "Through apprenticeship, I was able to make money while I trained, and now I have some financial help to pay my school bills. Every little bit helps."

For more information about the Apprenticeship Progression and Completion Awards, visit www.nsapprenticeship.ca .