The Nova Scotia Government has announced funding for more training seats in high-demand trades to move almost 200 apprentices off wait lists and into technical training to continue their journey towards certification. This is the first step to eliminating wait lists in high-demand programs.

The announcement also included a waiver of all Trade Qualifier fees in the construction trades until October 2026. Trade Qualification allows for individuals to challenge the certification exam as a Trade Qualifier if they have significant experience working in a trade and can prove that their skills and work experience meet the standards set for a certified tradesperson. The fee waiver puts about $740 back in the pockets of those looking to become a certified trades professional through the Trade Qualifier route.

The added training and waiving exam fees are part of the $100-million plan announced in October to recruit, retain and train more people in the skilled trades. The government is accelerating growth in the skilled trades and modernizing the apprenticeship and trades qualification system to meet the needs of a growing province.

Read the full news release here.