Current Provincial Trade Advisory Committees
Trade Advisory Committees (TACs) are PROVINCIAL ad-hoc advisory committees established by the Apprenticeship Board in accordance with the Operating Charter of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency. TACs advise the Board concerning policy, regulations and other matters specific to a trade(s), or on any matter assigned to the TACs relating to the apprenticeship and trades qualifications system.
The Apprenticeship Board approved the establishment of an Insulator (Heat and Frost) TAC to review an application for compulsory certification of the Insulator trade under the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act at the November 2020 Board meeting. TAC members were subsequently approved and began meeting in June 2021. At the November 2023 Board meeting, the TAC Chair presented TAC recommendations to the Apprenticeship Board; a decision was deferred until the February 2024 Board meeting. At that time, the Board asked for additional consultation. In August of 2025, the TAC presented the Board with options for designation. An electronic vote was conducted, and the decision was brought to the Deputy Minister for review.
| Member | Representing |
|---|---|
| Matthew Benson | Insulators Union, Local 116 |
| Patrick Murphy | Pro Insul Limited |
| Kent Hayley | CanPro Insulation |
| Dwaine MacDonald | Trinity Energy Group |
| Michael MacDonald | MacKinnon and Olding Ltd. |
| Carl Zinck | Zinck Mechanical Insulation |
The Apprenticeship Board approved the establishment of an Insulator (Heat and Frost) TAC to review an application for compulsory certification of the Insulator trade under the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act at the November 2020 Board meeting. TAC members were subsequently approved and began meeting in June 2021. At the November 2023 Board meeting, the TAC Chair presented TAC recommendations to the Apprenticeship Board; a decision was deferred until the February 2024 Board meeting. At that time, the Board asked for additional consultation. In August of 2025, the TAC presented the Board with options for designation. An electronic vote was conducted, and the decision was brought to the Deputy Minister for review.
| Member | Representing |
|---|---|
| Matthew Benson | Insulators Union, Local 116 |
| Patrick Murphy | Pro Insul Limited |
| Kent Hayley | CanPro Insulation |
| Dwaine MacDonald | Trinity Energy Group |
| Michael MacDonald | MacKinnon and Olding Ltd. |
| Carl Zinck | Zinck Mechanical Insulation |
The Solar Photovoltaic Installation Trade Advisory Committee (TAC) is responsible for advising the Board by providing recommendations and supporting rationale on matters assigned to it. The TAC is expected to consult with employers, employees, and unions on trade-specific issues and may be tasked with developing a work plan that outlines deliverables and timelines for Board approval. Additionally, the TAC will assist the Board in determining whether disputed work falls under the definition of electrical installation, fits within the scope of a construction electrician, and provide guidance on other issues as directed by the Board.
Submit Application Please submit your application to participate in this Trade Advisory Committee.
The Solar Photovoltaic Installation Trade Advisory Committee (TAC) is responsible for advising the Board by providing recommendations and supporting rationale on matters assigned to it. The TAC is expected to consult with employers, employees, and unions on trade-specific issues and may be tasked with developing a work plan that outlines deliverables and timelines for Board approval. Additionally, the TAC will assist the Board in determining whether disputed work falls under the definition of electrical installation, fits within the scope of a construction electrician, and provide guidance on other issues as directed by the Board.
Submit Application Please submit your application to participate in this Trade Advisory Committee.
Completed Provincial Trade Advisory Committees
The Apprentice Skill Development and Logbook Signoff has completed its mandate to provide recommendations for authentic logbook skill signoff and issues related to scope of trade.
The Apprentice Skill Development and Logbook Signoff has completed its mandate to provide recommendations for authentic logbook skill signoff and issues related to scope of trade.
The work of this Trade Advisory Committee is complete.
The work of this Trade Advisory Committee is complete.
The work of this Trade Advisory Committee is complete.
The work of this Trade Advisory Committee is complete.
The Automobile Insurance Appraiser TAC is no longer active.
The Automobile Insurance Appraiser TAC is no longer active.
The work of this Trade Advisory Committee has concluded.
The work of this Trade Advisory Committee has concluded.
The Apprenticeship Board approved a revised Terms of Reference and Membership on the Cook TAC to expand its mandate to designate the Institutional Cook trade under the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act at the April 2021 Board meeting. In March 2022, the Apprenticeship Board approved moving forward towards designating Institutional Cook as a trade.
The Apprenticeship Board approved a revised Terms of Reference and Membership on the Cook TAC to expand its mandate to designate the Institutional Cook trade under the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act at the April 2021 Board meeting. In March 2022, the Apprenticeship Board approved moving forward towards designating Institutional Cook as a trade.
The work of this Trade Advisory Committee is complete.
The work of this Trade Advisory Committee is complete.
The Forestry Equipment Operator TAC has completed its work and recommended the designation of two provincial trades: Forest Equipment Operator – Forwarder and Forest Equipment Operator - Harvestor
The Forestry Equipment Operator TAC has completed its work and recommended the designation of two provincial trades: Forest Equipment Operator – Forwarder and Forest Equipment Operator - Harvestor
The Hairstylist TAC is no longer active.
The Hairstylist TAC is no longer active.
The work of this Trade Advisory Committee is complete.
The work of this Trade Advisory Committee is complete.
The work of this Trade Advisory Committee is complete.
The work of this Trade Advisory Committee is complete.
The work of this Trade Advisory Committee is complete.
The work of this Trade Advisory Committee is complete.
The work of this Trade Advisory Committee is complete.
The work of this Trade Advisory Committee is complete.
Atlantic Trade Advisory Committees
Atlantic Trade Advisory Committees (ATACs), consisting of industry and training representatives, have been, and continue to be, active in supporting the work of the Atlantic Apprenticeship Harmonization Project. Trade-specific ATACs have been formed in several trades to support the development and implementation of harmonized Atlantic Apprenticeship programs, including the development of Atlantic apprenticeship curriculum standards, Atlantic exam banks and Atlantic bilingual apprentice logbooks.
Overview
The Apprenticeship Board of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency looks for employers and employees who are knowledgeable about the trades, who understand the labour market and who can commit to attending a number of meetings over a one to two year period. Expenses are reimbursed and members are compensated for meetings attended.
The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA) Board will invite applications for members of Atlantic Trade Advisory Committees (ATACs) through advertisements.
Overview
The Apprenticeship Board of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency looks for employers and employees who are knowledgeable about the trades, who understand the labour market and who can commit to attending a number of meetings over a one to two year period. Expenses are reimbursed and members are compensated for meetings attended.
The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA) Board will invite applications for members of Atlantic Trade Advisory Committees (ATACs) through advertisements.