The province is reassuring apprentices working in other provinces that their hours will count toward certification in Nova Scotia.

“There has been some recent confusion and concern from Nova Scotians who are interested in pursuing a skilled trade through the apprenticeship system, especially those working outside our province,” said Labour and Advanced Education Minister Frank Corbett.

“I want to let apprentices know that their hours earned in another province will be counted toward their certification once they come home. This has always been the case, and will continue to be.”

People working to become a certified journeyperson receive credit
for hours in other provinces, provided verification is given by their employer. The policy is in the general regulations of the
Apprenticeship and Trades Qualification Act, and has been the practice for years.

“In all my years with the IBEW, I am not aware of any cases where one of our apprentices working in another province did not get their hours recognized when they returned home to Nova Scotia,” said Tim Swinamer, business manager with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 625. “As a party to a joint apprenticeship agreement, it is our experience that those hours have always been recognized, and therefore counted toward their apprenticeship.”

Apprentices can contact the Department of Labour and Advanced Education at 902-424-5651 or toll-free 1-800-494-5651, or visit www.nsapprenticeship.ca, if they have questions or concerns about certification.

Source: Release