Atlantic Agreement Will Give Apprentices More Opportunities

Nova Scotia is making it easier for apprentices to work across the Atlantic region.                     

Premier Stephen McNeil signed a mobility agreement with New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador today, June 28. This agreement means that an apprentice’s work experience and training hours will be recognized equally in all four Atlantic provinces, no matter which province they were completed in.

“We want apprentices to have opportunities to get the training they need more quickly, more easily and closer to home and family,” said Premier McNeil. “This agreement is an important step and will keep more apprentices in the region. That’s a win for everyone.”

Right now, apprentices who travel to another province for work sometimes have difficulty getting their existing education and training recognized. This often means they need to retake courses or exams, or work additional hours to achieve their certification.

Tyler Craib, a third year apprentice from Amherst, had to write a challenge exam in New Brunswick to get credit for his Nova Scotia pre-apprenticeship training. Now back in Nova Scotia working as a truck and transport mechanic apprentice, Mr. Craib feels having to write the challenge exam slowed him down. “We’re all working toward the same certification, and the hours we work and train should count no matter where they’re completed.”

The province already has an apprentice mobility agreement with Alberta. Work is underway to expand the recognition of apprenticeship hours and technical training across Canada.

Source: Release