Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency

COVID-19 Update #7

We are entering a new phase of COVID-19 where restrictions are being lifted and many businesses are restarting. Here at the NSAA, we have never stopped. Many apprentices and tradespersons continued to work in the construction sector and maintain essential services for Nova Scotians in other sectors and we wanted to make sure we were available to support you in working and training safely during the pandemic. We are grateful to you for your contribution to keeping our economy going! Thank you.

We continue to enrol apprentices in technical training in the fall. All classes will be delivered remotely, and depending on the trade, any required shop time will be on-site at the training location. We have heard many positive stories from apprentices who participated in technical training over the last few months that was delivered using the online tools, MS Teams and Brightspace. Instructors are being creative in using these teaching platforms to create a virtual classroom with instructor to apprentice interaction as well as apprentice to apprentice interactions. These classrooms provide a variety of learning activities, including demonstrations, lectures, time for questions and answers, and assignments. Many apprentices are experiencing success.

“I was a little intimidated to take my final level remotely, but NSAA offered it as an option and I went for it. It is honestly great for people that were like me. I just had a newborn and the classroom would’ve been nearly impossible for me. There are also a lot of out-of-province workers that can’t attend class due to work and financial struggles. I was able to be home with the baby and attend class after travelling across Canada (stopping at hotels) and not missing any time. Honestly, the program worked great.” Level 4 Apprentice.

Given the unique situation of COVID-19, apprentices may be in the position of utilizing their available employment support and are concerned that they will not qualify for support when they attend technical training. Another avenue of support is through the Canada Apprentice Loan. The Canada Apprentice Loan is an initiative of the Government of Canada to help you complete your apprenticeship in a designated Red Seal trade. With the Canada Apprentice Loan, an apprentice can receive up to $4,000 in interest-free loans per level of technical training. The loan can be used to help pay for tuition, tools, equipment and living expenses; cover forgone wages; or help support your family. Apprentices in receipt of the loan will not have to make payments on the Canada Apprentice Loan, and no interest will accumulate, until after completion or an apprentice leaves the apprenticeship training program. To apply for the Canada Apprenticeship Loan, click here.

In addition, grants are available from the federal government for completion of level 1, level 2 and the final level of technical training in Red Seal trades. Financial awards are available from the NSAA for level 3 progression in Red Seal and provincial trades and for completion of the final level of technical training in provincial trades. For more information on the financial awards click here.

It is important to remember that the Agency's Enforcement team has resumed worksite visits to support compliance with the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act. Individuals working in the compulsory certified trades must be a registered apprentice or have a Certificate of Qualification to work legally in the trade. Compliance Officers will ensure physical distancing, use personal protective equipment and follow public health guidelines in this work. Report non-compliance by submitting a complaint form found here.

NSAA and Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal are working with industry and community organizations in Cape Breton to prepare for the building investment that has been announced and will start this year. To support the need for Sheet Metal Workers on these projects, NSAA worked with NSCC to offer a one-year certificate Sheet Metal program through the Marconi Campus in Sydney. The program is open to all applicants with designated seats for female, Indigenous and African Nova Scotian students. The program will begin in October and the designated seats must be filled by August. Please share this information and encourage applications.

For more information on training, exams and financial supports during COVID, please visit the COVID-19 section of our website here.