More apprentices will get the training they need to help them land good jobs in Nova Scotia.
Government is doubling its investment this year in the province’s Apprenticeship START program, from $500,000 to $1 million.
About 60 more Nova Scotians will be able to access apprenticeship training and achieve certification because of the increased funding.
It will help businesses hire apprentices from under-represented groups and rural communities to give them the training they need to find jobs in their trade.
“I’m able to work with experienced technicians who have a lot of knowledge to pass along,” said Ryan Bailey, first-year automotive service technician apprentice from Heatherton, Antigonish Co. “I have the confidence that this job will give me all the skills I need to get my certification.”
Premier Stephen McNeil said the program is helping employers discover, train and, in many cases, retain workers who will help them for years to come.
“The Apprenticeship START program is working because it’s a partnership between businesses, government and workers, which is exactly what we know we need to succeed as a province,” said Premier McNeil. “This program gives more apprentices the jump-start and skills they need right here at home.”
Employers are eligible for a maximum of $25,000 per apprentice to help cover training and wage costs.
“Our business relies heavily on the skills of apprentices and certified tradespeople,” said Steve Van de Sande, co-owner of Strait-Way Auto Sales in Antigonish. “The START program was a win-win. It allowed us to take on and train a new apprentice, and expand our service operations.”
Since the program began, 189 Nova Scotians have been connected with in-demand, apprenticeship training that allows them to achieve trades certification, and mentor the next generation of apprentices.
START has provided support to more than 600 employers across the province, allowing them to connect over 800 recent graduates, apprentices and unemployed Nova Scotians to good jobs.
To find out more about the START program visit http://novascotia.ca/employmentnovascotia/ .
Source: Release
