Youth Apprenticeship

Finding employment in a designated trade while still in high school means a head start on a career as a journeyperson!

• The goal of Building Futures for Youth is to allow students to explore a career in the construction industry and to connect employers with their future workforce. If we’ve made a good match, that relationship doesn’t need to end when the summer ends. BFY students are registered as pre-apprentices and have temporary work permits for compulsory trades during their placement. They can earn up to a maximum of 300 hours toward any apprenticeable trade. However, if they are signed on as a youth apprentice, they can continue to work and accumulate hours towards their trade certification while working towards completing high school.
  Youth apprentices are between the ages of 16 and 19, still attending high school. In-class technical training waits until after graduation, but they can continue to accumulate hours on the job, even working part time. Registration is FREE – the only cost is for a photo identification card (less than $20). There must be at least one certified journeyperson at the workplace to provide direct supervision.

Apprenticeship begins with an agreement between the Apprentice and the Employer

• Students agree to work for their employer in exchange for supervised, on the job training and experience, and the opportunity to participate in the technical training (in-class) that is a required part of the apprenticeship program. In the workplace, they will be supervised by a certified journeyperson, but it will be their responsibility to keep track of a logbook which will record both hours and competence in the practical skills of the trade.

  When working in a compulsory trade, apprentice and employer need to enter into an agreement with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA). You will need to meet with a training consultant to register. Contact: Contact information to come.

  Two forms must be completed and submitted to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency for review and approval. We recommend that both the employer and the apprentice complete the Apprentice Application and Agreement Form together, as it contains information that pertains to both parties (it can be done online). The Employer Ratio Verification Form will need to be completed by the employer.
  When the application package is complete, the Training Consultant will meet with the Employer and Apprentice to finalize the Apprenticeship Agreement and complete the registration process:

  • An NSAA representative will sign the agreement;
  • The NSAA will send a signed copy of the agreement to the apprentice and employer;
  • The NSAA will send a logbook and a Nova Scotia Apprentice ID Card to the apprentice.

Responsibilities of Apprentices

An Apprentice must:

• Make the Apprentice Logbook available to the employer or the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
• Remit tuition and other fees when required
• Ensure that the hours of practical experience worked, and tasks learned or completed, are accurately documented
• Notify the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency in writing within 15 days of changes to name or address
• Notify the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency in writing within 15 days if suspended by the employer, if employment ends, or if the employer does not provide you with practical experience or the opportunity to attend technical training

Responsibilities of Employers

An Employer must:

• Provide direct supervision for the apprentice
• Accurately document the hours of practical experience and verify tasks completed by the apprentice in the apprentice’s Apprentice Logbook
• Allow the apprentice to participate in the required technical training, take examinations, and re-employ the apprentice upon completion of training
• Ensure the daily hours of practical experience do not begin earlier or end later than the daily working hours of the supervising journeyperson
• Ensure the working conditions of the apprentice are the same as the conditions of the supervising journeyperson in the workplace where the apprentice is employed
• Notify the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency in writing within 15 days if the apprentice is suspended from the workplace, if the apprentice ceases to be employed, or if unable to provide the apprentice with practical experience or allow the apprentice to participate in technical training

Responsibilities of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency

The NSAA must:

• Ensure that both the apprentice and employer are informed of their respective responsibilities in the program
• Ensure that the apprentice is registered and records are maintained
• Schedule all necessary technical training for the apprentice to complete requirements for certification
• Maintain regular contact with the apprentice and employer throughout the term of the apprenticeship agreement to ensure successful completion of the apprenticeship program
• Administer and enforce the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act and Regulations