Technical Training

Each year that you are an apprentice, you should participate in technical training.

The Apprenticeship Training and Examination Schedule is posted on the website home page before each academic year begins. It contains information about registration deadlines and available training.

Training delivery may be available in class or online. It is important to register as soon as possible, as seats are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you have any questions, please contact Training Officer assigned to your file.

In addition to your regular technical training, there are other training opportunities and resources to support you during your apprenticeship program:

Code Book Update course

Code book update courses may be offered when a new code book is introduced, or when individuals are having difficulty passing an Interprovincial Examination. Tuition fees apply.

Contact the Training Officer responsible for your trade/region to find out if there are any courses being offered.

Disability services for apprentices

The division is committed to providing apprentices who have documented disabilities with reasonable, equitable and safe accessibility to programs and services offered through the apprenticeship training program.

It your responsibility to self-identify a disability during the apprenticeship registration process and to supply all current supporting documentation such as that from prior educational institutions and agencies, doctor's certificates, psycho-educational assessments and Individual Program Plans (IPPs).

The division can arrange to have reasonable and appropriate accommodation provided for apprentices if there is sufficient time for planning and implementation. Therefore, early identification is encouraged.

For more information on any of these services, please contact your Training Officer or fax a Meeting Request Form to the division at 902-424-0717.

Document Use course

The purpose of this course is to develop the skills necessary to locate and use information contained in a variety of document formats such as lists, drawings, maps, forms, service manua ls and troubleshooting charts. The only cost is the purchase of course materials.

It is delivered one to two evenings a week over a six week period and Nova Scotia Community College will provide a Certificate of Continuing Education upon completion.

Essential skills

Essential skills such as as reading text, document use and math are needed for work, learning and life. The division has introduced several new learning options, which include the development of a learning plan, an informal assessment and access to training and supports (e.g. tutoring) to assist apprentices in the technical portion of their training. For more information, contact your Training Officer or the office in your trade/region.

Also visit HRSDC's site and the Red Seal site for further resources, information, support and an Essential Skills self-assessment.

High school completion for adult

Through the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL), you can obtain a high school diploma while you are training as an apprentice by attending either an adult high school or a Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC).

The diploma requires the successful completion of twelve credits. These credits can be earned through adult high school grades 11 and 12 credits or the NSCC Adult Learning Program (ALP 4).

If you meet the eligibility requirements, the diploma is tuition free! However, there may be registration fees and book costs.

For more information please contact Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning at 1-877-466-7725 or visit www.GoNSSAL.ca

Interprovincial Exam Preparation Information Guide

The Interprovincial Exam Preparation Information Guide will help you to prepare for and write the Interprovincial Red Seal Exam (IP Exam) in your trade. It provides:

  • sample exam questions
  • helpful strategies and tips for studying, writing multiple choice exams and creating your own study plan
  • information about what to bring to the exam
  • what happens on exam day

Math Refresher course

As part of the Essential Skills Initiative, the division, in partnership with the Nova Scotia Community College, offers a math refresher course to interested apprentices.

This course will strengthen trade math skills and will be a good review for someone who has been away from math; the only cost is the purchase of textbooks. It is delivered one to two evenings a week over a six week period and NSCC will provide a Certificate of Continuing Education upon completion.

Reader-assisted examinations

If you require the services of a translator, need to have an exam administered to you orally or require other special accomodations, ask about available options. Contact the apprenticeship office in your trade/region.

Special needs

If you have any concerns about your potential for success in the program, we encourage you to contact your Training Officer to arrange for a confidential meeting.