Forms, Reports and Financial Supports
PLEASE READ
- SUBMIT ONLINE means you complete and submit the form online. Payments (required for some forms) require a valid debit or credit card - VISA, MasterCard or American Express. Alternatively, if your employer has agreed to be invoiced, select the invoice option on the form.
- SUBMIT VIA MAIL means you electronically-fill the form, then print and submit via mail or walk-in. Payments (required for some forms) are accepted at all offices, and include debit/credit; certified/business cheques; or money orders made payable to the “Minister of Finance”. Alternatively, if your employer has agreed to be invoiced, you can select the invoice option on the form. NOT accepted: American Express, cash and personal cheques.
- Blank forms can be provided if you experience any difficulties completing the forms. Please contact your Industry Training Consultant or call the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency's General Inquiries line.
- The forms can be submitted using a variety of web browsers (including Internet Explorer version 8 or higher).
FORMS
- Apprenticeship REGISTRATION Forms and Process: To Work in Nova Scotia SUBMIT ONLINE OR SUBMIT VIA MAIL
- Apprenticeship REGISTRATION Forms and Process: To Work in Another Province SUBMIT ONLINE OR SUBMIT VIA MAIL
- Apprenticeship TRANSFER Forms and Process: To Work in Nova Scotia SUBMIT ONLINE OR SUBMIT VIA MAIL
- Apprenticeship TRANSFER Forms and Process: To Work in Another Province SUBMIT ONLINE OR SUBMIT VIA MAIL
- Award Application (Provincial Apprentice Progression Award): ONLINE OR MAIL
- Blaster Safety Course Application: ONLINE PAYMENT OR PRINT ONLY
- Compliance Complaint Form (Apprenticeship Regulations): ONLINE OR MAIL
- Equivalency Card Application (Certificate of Qualification Holders): Information
- Exam Application MILITARY: Information
- Exam Application STANDARD: ONLINE OR MAIL
- Exam Application SPECIAL SITTING (FOR ONE INDIVIDUAL): ONLINE OR MAIL
- Exam Application SPECIAL SITTING (FOR A GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS): ONLINE OR MAIL
- Landscape Industry Certified Tech Program: Information
- Procurement Project (Apprenticeship) Form: Information
- Ratio INCREASE Form: ONLINE OR MAIL
- Ratio VERIFICATION Form: ONLINE OR MAIL
- Reinstatement Form (Apply to be reinstated as an apprentice): ONLINE OR MAIL
- Release of Information Form: ONLINE OR MAIL
- RENEWAL of Certificate of Qualification/ID Card [For expiring compulsory-certified trades only]: ONLINE OR MAIL
- REPLACEMENT of Certificate of Apprenticeship, Qualification or Photo ID Form: ONLINE OR MAIL
- Technical Training Enrolment Form: ONLINE OR MAIL
- Trade Qualifier (National and International Clients): Information
- Transcript Request Form: ONLINE OR MAIL
- Update Your Contact Information: ONLINE OR MAIL
- Forestry Sector Apprenticeship Initiative Applicant Information Form: SUBMIT ONLINE OR SUBMIT MAIL
2020-21 REPORTS
- 2020-21 Prism Report: Nova Scotia Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship in the Time of COVID-19
- 2020-21 NSAA Business Plan
- 2020 Annual Industry Meeting Report
2019-20 REPORTS
- 2020-25 Strategic Plan
- 2019-20 Annual Report
- 2019-20 Statistics Report
- 2019-20 NSAA Business Plan
- 2019 Annual Industry Meeting Report
2018-19 REPORTS
- 2018-19 Annual Report
- 2018 Annual Industry Meeting Report
- 2018-19 NSAA Business Plan
- 2018-19 NSAA & NSCC Stewardship Report
- 2018-19 Statistics Report
2017-18 REPORTS
- 2017-18 NSAA & NSCC Stewardship Report
- 2017-18 Annual Report
- 2017-18 Statistics Report
- 2017 Annual Industry Meeting Report
- 2017-18 NSAA Business Plan
2016-17 REPORTS
- 2016-17 NSAA & NSCC Stewardship Report
- 2016-17 Annual Report
- 2016-17 Statistics Report
- Diversity and Inclusion Framework
- 2016-17 NSAA Business Plan
2015-16 REPORTS
- 2015-16 Annual Report
- 2015-16 Statistics Report
- 2015-16 NSAA & NSCC Stewardship Report
- 2015 Harmonization Update: Nova Scotia Advances Apprentice Mobility
- 2015-16 Quarterly Report (Fourth Quarter)
- 2015-16 Quarterly Report (Third Quarter)
- 2015-16 Quarterly Report (Second Quarter)
- 2015-16 Quarterly Report (First Quarter)
- 2015-20 Strategic Plan
2014-15 REPORTS
- 2014-15 Annual Report
- 2014-15 Statistics Report
- 2014-15 NSAA & NSCC Final Stewardship Report
- 2014-15 NSAA & NSCC Inaugural Stewardship Report
- 2015-20 Strategic Plan
- 2014-15: Quarterly Report (Fourth Quarter)
- 2014-15: Quarterly Report (Third Quarter)
2013-14 REPORTS
- 2013-14 Annual Report
- Apprenticeship Agency Update February 17, 2014
- Apprenticeship Agency Update January 20, 2014
- 2013: Reference Group's Report on Employer Engagement in Apprenticeship
- Results of the Employer Survey for the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
2012-13 Annual Report
2011-12 Annual Statistics
2010-11 Annual Statistics
2010 Youth Decision Survey Report
2008-09 Annual Statistics
2007-08 Annual Report
2006-07 Annual Report
2005-06 Annual Report
FEES for apprenticeship training programs, exams, trade qualification, ID card renewals, etc.
START Program
The objective of the Apprenticeship START program is to encourage employers to register, retain and support their apprentices to completion during their apprenticeship journey. The START program has a focus of small to medium-sized businesses/organizations including not-for-profits and social enterprises that have business locations and jobs in Nova Scotia. Companies with headquarters outside of Nova Scotia are eligible to apply only if they also have a physical location in Nova Scotia.
Employers can receive up to $25,000 in funding for the duration of the apprenticeship. If the employer hires an apprentice from an under-represented group, the funding increases to $30,000.
For more details on eligibility, please see Apprenticeship START Fact Sheet
How to Apply for START Funding
- Review the Apprenticeship START Program Guidelines
- Complete an Apprenticeship Agreement with your apprentice and the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency. An Industry Training Consultant (ITC) will review your application and determine eligibility. Click HERE for a list of Industry Training Consultants by trade/region.
Top-up Your Apprentice's Loss of Wages
Employers may top up an apprentice's loss of wages while the apprentice is attending technical training, and this allowance is not considered as earnings to be deducted from EI benefits. MORE INFO at the Service Canada website...
Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit
The Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit available to employers equal to 10% of the eligible salaries and wages payable to eligible apprentices in respect of employment after May 1, 2006. The maximum credit is $2,000 per year for each eligible apprentice. MORE INFO at the Canada Revenue Agency website...
Records of Employment (ROE) for Your Apprentices
Employers can now complete and submit apprentices' Records of Employment (ROEs) online. MORE INFO at the Service Canada website...
Apprenticeship Procurement Project
The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, in partnership with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal and the Construction Association of Nova Scotia, is introducing requirements where contractors bidding on provincially-funded construction projects must be engaged in the Apprenticeship Program. MORE INFO...
Click Here to Find Out About Government of Canada Supports
ENS Financial Assistance for apprentices (full-time technical training)
How to Apply and who to Contact for More Information: ENS Financial Assistance Instructions (Instructions on how to apply and contact information).
ENS financial supports include the following:
- Weekly payments
- Lump-sum (one-time) Payments
- Advanced payment for early purchases
- Reimbursement for previously-made purchases
$1,000 Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG) (for levels 1 & 2)
Eligibility for Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG): Apprentices must have completed the first year (level) or second year (level) of an approved apprenticeship program on, or after, January 1, 2007. The AIG will have a lifetime maximum amount payable of $2,000 to eligible apprentices.
- AIG is not payable when AIG-W has been paid for same trade/level. See below for information about AIG-W.
- To access the online application or to receive more information about deadlines, eligibility, supporting documentation, etc., please visit the Government of Canada website or call 1 866 742-3644 (TTY: 1 866 909-9757). Apply for the AIG as soon as you receive your official Record of Progress from the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, as there are application deadlines associated with the grant. If you have any questions, please contact your Industry Training Consultant or the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency at 902-424-5651 or 1-800-494-5651.
$3,000 Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women (AIG-W) (for levels 1 & 2)
Eligibility for Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women (AIG-W): Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women (AIG-W) announced in the Federal Budget 2018 is a five-year pilot that will better target existing Apprenticeship Grants funding towards improving the economic outcomes for women. Apprenticeship Grant eligibility is limited to apprentices registered with a provincial/territorial/certification authority in a Red Seal trade.
Apprentices must have completed the first year (level) or second year (level) of an approved apprenticeship program having low female representation*, on, or after, April 1, 2018. The AIG-W will have a lifetime maximum amount payable of $6,000 to eligible apprentices.
- Apprentices who self-identify as a woman on the application guide may be eligible for AIG-W.
- Women who receive AIG for same trade/level may be eligible to receive the difference between the AIG amount paid and the AIG-W amount if they are found to be eligible.
- *Hairstylist, Baker, Cook, Partsperson and Landscape-Horticulturist are excluded from AIG-W; women apprentices in these trades remain eligible for AIG.
- To access the online application or to receive more information about deadlines, eligibility, supporting documentation, etc., please visit the Government of Canada website or call 1 866 742-3644 (TTY: 1 866 909-9757). Apply for the AIG-W as soon as you receive your official Record of Progress from the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, as there are application deadlines associated with the grant. If you have any questions, please contact your Industry Training Consultant or the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency at 902-424-5651 or 1-800-494-5651.
$750 Provincial Apprentice Progression Award (for level 3, and 4 if applicable)
Awards and grants are issued based on available funding.
Apprentices from all designated trades which have four-level apprenticeship programs can apply for a taxable $750 Provincial Apprentice Progression Award if they successfully complete all Level 3/Group C technical training.
Apprentices in five-level apprenticeship programs can apply for a taxable $750 Provincial Apprentice Progression Award if they successfully complete all Level 3/Group C technical training. They can apply for another award if they successfully complete all Level 4/Group D technical training.
Awards will be processed twice yearly:
- For clients who meet criteria and apply between January and June, award will be processed in October.
- For clients who meet criteria and apply between July and December, award will be processed the following April.
Apply for the Provincial Progression Award. Applications must be received within six months of achieving eligibility.
$2,000 Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG) for Red Seal Trades
Apprentices must have completed their apprenticeship program on, or after, January 1, 2009 and must have passed the Red Seal Exam. The ACG will have a lifetime maximum amount payable of $2,000 to eligible apprentices. The Certificate of Apprenticeship (with Red Seal endorsement), which is issued to all completing apprentices, will be the proof of eligibility.
Apply: Forms & info are available on Service Canada's website or by phone: 1-866-742-3644 (TTY: 1-866-909-9757).
$2,000 Provincial Apprentice Completion Award for non-Red Seal Trades
Awards and grants are issued based on available funding.
Apprentices in non-Red Seal apprenticeship programs that have 3, 4 or 5 levels of training are eligible to apply for a taxable $2,000 Provincial Apprentice Completion Award once they complete all training requirements and receive a Certificate of Apprenticeship.
Awards will be processed twice yearly:
- For clients who meet criteria and apply between January and June, award will be processed in October.
- For clients who meet criteria and apply between July and December, award will be processed in April.
Apply for the Provincial Completion Award. Applications must be received within six months of achieving eligibility.
$4,000 Canada Apprentice Loan (up to $4,000 Annually)
The Canada Apprentice Loan is available to help registered Red Seal apprentices cover the cost of their training. The Government of Canada offers apprentices registered in a Red Seal Trade apprenticeship program up to $4,000 per period of technical training. MORE INFO at the Employment and Social Development Canada website...
EI Benefits
Apprentices will be paid a wage for their experience on the job and they will have the opportunity to apply for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits when they begin apprenticeship technical training.
While participating in apprenticeship technical training, you may be entitled to income support through Employment Insurance (EI) benefits from Service Canada.
Employers can now complete and submit apprentices' Records of Employment (ROEs) online. MORE INFO at the Service Canada website...
Existing Claim (If you are already in receipt of EI benefits, or to re-open an existing claim)
- Approximately 6 weeks prior to scheduled training, the Agency will mail a class acceptance letter to you.
- Immediately contact or visit your local Service Canada office to advise them you will be attending apprenticeship technical training. (Service Canada may ask to see your class acceptance letter).
New Claim
- You can apply for Employment Insurance benefits online at Service Canada.
- In the online application you will be prompted to enter a reference code. Please refer to your course scheduling package for this number.
Although the information on this page may be accurate, apprentices should consult Service Canada, the official source of information about Employment Insurance.
Youth Apprenticeship
Youth Apprentices are exempted from the registration fee.
Financial Assistance to Cover Miscellaneous Costs
In addition to EI, there are other benefits that you may qualify for, such as financial assistance to cover costs associated with training, child care, living away from home, travel assistance, commuting allowance and disability allowance.
Approximately three weeks prior to your scheduled training, the Agency will mail a class acceptance letter to you. Apply for these financial allowances as soon as you receive this class acceptance letter.
- Apply: Visit Employment Nova Scotia's website and download the application package available under the heading "While attending training...". Complete and mail, fax or drop-off at the Employment Nova Scotia Office closest to you.
- Since the application for additional financial assistance is separate from the application for EI benefits, please ensure that you have an EI claim (existing or new).
- Although every effort is made to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, apprentices should consult the official source of information about additional financial assistance.
Tradesperson's Tools Deduction of $500
The Tradesperson's Tools Deduction provides employed tradespersons with an annual deduction of up to $500 to help cover the cost of new tools necessary for their trade. The deduction applies to the total cost of eligible tools if:
- the total cost exceeds $1,000;
- the tools were purchased after May 1, 2006;
- the purchase was made by an employed tradesperson.
Miscellaneous
Women in Trades
The Women in Trades (WIT) Office is newly established within the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA) as a result of two federally funded initiatives. The focus of both initiatives is to recruit, retain and advance women in the skilled trades where they are under-represented, and to provide women with a more successful apprenticeship pathway.
The first initiative, Women in Skilled Trades (WIST), is focused on supporting successful apprenticeship pathways for women in the Industrial/Manufacturing, Motive Power, and Service Sectors.
The second initiative, Women in Construction (WIC): Advancing Women in Apprenticeship, is an Atlantic-based project led by Nova Scotia. The NSAA is working collaboratively with NB, PEI and NL apprenticeship authorities to promote women in construction trades and support respectful workplace environments for women apprentices.
The WIT Office strives to facilitate systematic change within the skilled trades in Atlantic Canada. By working in collaboration with eligible employers, the goal is to create welcoming, inclusive workplaces and employment opportunities for a diversity of women.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for funding an employer must:
- own a registered company in Nova Scotia.
- have facilities, people and equipment needed to provide training.
- meet the Nova Scotia regulations that apply to your industry/trade regulations and adhere proper ratio of journeypersons to apprentices as set out in the Nova Scotia trade regulations.
- provide proper supervision from a certified journeyperson.
- allow apprentice time off to attend technical training.
- not currently in receipt of funding from another provincial or federal program for diverse apprentices.
- agree to participate in a workplace assessment questionnaire, and respectful workplace, diversity and inclusion training with their staff.
- affirm they will not displace an existing employee.
How to Apply
- Women in Construction (WIC) Program Guidelines
- Employer applications can be submitted online using LaMPSS and will be reviewed by WIT staff. Application assistance will be provided to employers by WIT when required. Please contact the office at 902-424-5594 or by emailing wit@novascotia.ca if you require assistance.
- To register for LaMPSS, please call 1-877-223-0888 to obtain a registration package or click here to download a copy of the LaMPSS Organization Registration forms.
- For more details on the application process and program eligibility/information please download the WIC Program Guidelines.
$ Available Funding within the Pilot
Wage Subsidy Information
Employers approved for the WIC project are eligible to receive a 75% wage subsidy of the hourly rate up to $15 per hour. For example, if the apprentice is paid $15 per hour, the employer will receive a wage subsidy of $11.25 per hour.
The duration of the wage subsidy is 12-months or until March 31, 2021, whichever comes first.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for funding participants must:
- self-identify as female.
- be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person (under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, S.C. 2001, c.27) or are legally entitled to work in Canada.
- currently reside within Nova Scotia.
- be 16 years of age or older.
- have obtained Grade 12 or equivalent.
- have previous experience or are interested in becoming a tradesperson.
- currently not be participating in another provincially or federally funded career advancement program.
- currently not a registered apprentice with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
How to Apply
- Review the WIC Participant Eligibility Criteria.
- Review the WIC Program Guidelines.
- Contact the WIT Office for the WIC participant application form, complete it, and return it to the WIT Office with the required supporting documentation.
$ Available Funding within the Pilot
Participants may be eligible to receive several benefits throughout their apprenticeship. The following supports are intended to remove challenges and obstacles that they may experience throughout their apprenticeship journey.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Participants are eligible to receive funds to aid them in the purchase of PPE.
Technical Training Related Supports
Participants may be eligible to receive several benefits during their technical training. The following benefits are intended to reduce barriers and obstacles that may prevent female apprentices from participating fully in technical training.
Child Care
Participants who require childcare while attending technical training may be eligible for financial support.
Travel
If participants are commuting more than 30 kilometers daily (one way) from their home to the training institution, they may be eligible for travel reimbursement for every km over and above 30 km.
Accommodations
If participants are living away from home (and must do so) in order to attend technical training, they may be eligible for accommodation funding while in attendance.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for funding an employer must:
- own a registered company in Nova Scotia.
- have facilities, people and equipment needed to provide training.
- meet the Nova Scotia regulations that apply to your industry/trade regulations and adhere proper ratio of journeypersons to apprentices as set out in the Nova Scotia trade regulations.
- provide proper supervision from a certified journeyperson.
- allow apprentice time off to attend technical training.
- currently not be in receipt of funding from another provincial or federal program for diverse apprentices.
- agree to participate in a workplace assessment questionnaire, and respectful workplace, diversity and inclusion training with their staff.
- affirm they will not displace an existing employee.
How to Apply
- Women in Skilled Trades (WIST) Program Guidelines
- Employer applications can be submitted online using LaMPSS and will be reviewed by WIT staff. Application assistance will be provided to employers by WIT when required. Please contact the office at 902-424-5594 or by emailing wit@novascotia.ca if you require assistance.
- To register for LaMPSS, please call 1-877-223-0888 to obtain a registration package or click here to download a copy of the LaMPSS Organization Registration forms.
- For more details on the application process and program eligibility/information please download the WIST Program Guidelines.
$ Available Funding within the Pilot
Wage Subsidy Information
Employers approved for the WIST project are eligible to receive a 70% wage subsidy of the hourly rate up to $15 per hour. For example, if the apprentice is paid $15 per hour, the employer will receive a wage subsidy of $10.50 per hour.
The duration of the wage subsidy is 3-months.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for funding participants must:
- self-identify as female.
- be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person (under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, S.C. 2001, c.27) or are legally entitled to work in Canada.
- currently reside within Nova Scotia.
- be 16 years of age or older.
- have obtained Grade 12 or equivalent.
- have previous experience or are interested in becoming a tradesperson.
- currently not be participating in another provincially or federally funded career advancement program.
- currently not be a registered apprentice with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.
How to Apply
- Review the WIST Participant Eligibility Criteria.
- Review the WIST Program Guidelines.
- Contact the WIT Office for the WIST participant application form, complete it, and return it to the WIT Office with the required supporting documentation.
$ Available Funding within the Pilot
Participants may be eligible to receive several benefits throughout their apprenticeship. The following supports are intended to remove challenges and obstacles that they may experience throughout their apprenticeship journey.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Participants are eligible to receive funds to aid them in the purchase of PPE.
Technical Training Related Supports
Participants may be eligible to receive several benefits during their technical training. The following benefits are intended to reduce barriers and obstacles that may prevent female apprentices from participating fully in technical training.
Child Care
Participants who require childcare while they attend their technical training may be eligible for financial support.
Travel
If participants are commuting more than 30 kilometers daily (one way) from their home to the training institution, they may be eligible for travel reimbursement for every km over and above 30 km.
Accommodations
If participants are living away from home (and must do so) in order to attend technical training, they may be eligible for accommodation funding while in attendance.