Proposed amendments to the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act introduced today, Oct. 24, will help more apprentices complete their training sooner and easier.
Nova Scotia apprentices who pursue on-the-job-training in another province will no longer have to register in that province. Instead, they can remain registered in Nova Scotia. This lets them start training more quickly, and saves paying extra fees and writing more exams.
The legislation also ensures out-of-province on-the-job and trades training is recognized, meeting a government commitment.
“I think Nova Scotia is taking the right steps,” said Jared Grover, a second-year pipe-trade student at Nova Scotia Community College. “I would absolutely love to stay in Nova Scotia. It’s where my friends and family are. This is always home. Now, if I have to go away, I can come back, start a life, start a family and eventually retire.”
Currently, only about half of apprentices registered in Nova Scotia complete their certification.
“We know that Nova Scotians want to build a life here,” said Kelly Regan, Minister responsible for the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency. “This legislation helps apprentices get the training they need more quickly and at less cost so they can qualify for the good jobs in Nova Scotia.”
Once registered in Nova Scotia, the Apprenticeship Agency will work with the province where the apprentice is, and ensure they are getting the proper training and experience to complete the program. Nova Scotia Community College training will also be recognized elsewhere.
“The role of the new agency is to work with industry to open up more opportunities for Nova Scotia apprentices,” said Marjorie Davison, CEO of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency. “To accomplish this, we need to make it easier for our apprentices to get the training they need to complete their journey.”
Amendments will also allow the agency to make agreements with other provinces to ensure apprentice experience and training is recognized, and the training meets a quality standard.
These amendments complement work already underway to enhance consistency in apprenticeship programs across the country.
Source: Release