Trade Info
- 70 trades are currently designated in Nova Scotia.
- Red Seal Endorsed trades are marked with the Red Seal.
- 13 trades are compulsory certified under the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act. Tradespersons working in these trades need to have an ID card issued by the Agency. The ID can be a valid Certificate of Qualification, apprentice ID or Temporary Work Permit. A permit allows work for a specific period of time (not exceeding three months). It may be issued to a potential apprentice doing a probationary period; a student enrolled in training; an internationally-trained worker; or a trade qualifier who has applied to take the Red Seal exam.
- 8 trades require licenses or permits under another regulatory authority. These trades are overseen by other regulatory authorities in Nova Scotia through permits or licenses. Often, an NS Certificate of Qualification is needed in order to obtain a license.
- Trades are organized into Four Industry Sectors (Construction, Industrial/Manufacturing, Motive Power, Service)
- Click on a trade below to find more trade-specific information and links to key documents.
- Contact the Industry Training Consultant for your trade/region.
Trade
Red Seal/Compulsory
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Agricultural Equipment Technician
Repairs and services machines typically used in the farming industry.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 7,200
Alarm and Security Technician
Installs/repairs intrusion alarm, closed circuit video and access control systems.
- NS Trade Regulations
- Recent Trade Reg Changes (highlights)
- NS Occupational Standard
- The only pathway to certification in Nova Scotia is to challenge the Provincial Certification Exam as a trade qualifier.
Appliance Service Technician
Repairs and services household appliances.
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- The only pathway to certification in Nova Scotia is to challenge the Red Seal Certification Exam as a trade qualifier.
Auto Body and Collision Technician
Repairs, restores and replaces damaged body parts such as glass, trim, steering, and suspension.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 7,200
- NS Trade Regulations
- Recent Trade Reg Changes (highlights)
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- 2015 Curriculum Standard
- Auto Body Collision Technician is a compulsory certified trade in Nova Scotia.
- This trade was formerly known as Motor Vehicle Body Repairer (Metal and Paint).
Automotive Glass Technician
Performs work in fabricating, removing, installing, repairing and generally servicing glass and associated equipment in motor vehicles.
- NS Trade Regulations
- Recent Trade Reg Changes (highlights)
- NS Occupational Standard
- The only pathway to certification in Nova Scotia is to challenge the Provincial Certification Exam as a trade qualifier.
Automotive Refinishing Technician
Prepares and paints motor vehicles.
- Previously known as Automotive Painter.
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- The only pathway to certification in Nova Scotia is to challenge the Red Seal Certification Exam as a trade qualifier.
Automotive Service Technician
Services and repairs the brakes, suspension, engine, and fuel systems of cars and light trucks.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 7,200
- NS Trade Regulations
- Recent Trade Reg Changes (highlights)
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- Curriculum Standard 2019 Harmonized
- Curriculum Standard 2017 Non-Harmonized
- Automotive Service Technician is a compulsory certified trade in Nova Scotia.
Automotive Service Technician (Service Centre Technician)
Performs tune-ups, safety inspections, services and repairs the brakes, clutch and tires of cars and light trucks.
AST (Service Centre Technician) is an interim certification for apprentices who have completed their 3rd level of the Automotive Service Technician trade. With this certification, AST apprentices are able to perform Motor Vehicle Inspections and also work on routine automotive repairs without supervision. Service Centre Technician is not a Red Seal trade.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 5,400
Baker
Makes breads, pastries, cookies and cakes.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 5,400
Blaster
Engages in all surface blasting activity including: storage, handling, transportation, preparation, and use of explosives, and drilling conducted at a blasting area or in relation to the use of explosives.
- Regulated by the Occupational Health and Safety Division
- More Info
- NS Trade Regulations
- Recent Trade Reg Changes (highlights)
- NS Occupational Profile
- The Blasting Safety Course (online) is open (for a fee) to anyone who plans to work as a Blaster Assistant and meets the safety requirement for this role. Submit the application (see Forms for Tradespersons) and an ITC will set trainees up with an ID number and online access to the course.
Boat Builder
Builds sea-going boats for fishing or charter; fast patrol boats; and custom or semi-custom pleasure boats, power and sail, in all major hull materials.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 5,400
- NS Trade Regulations
- Recent Trade Reg Changes (highlights)
- The Boat Builder Apprenticeship Program is overseen by the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association and the NSAA.
Boilermaker
Builds, tests and repairs air-tight and liquid-tight containers such as boilers and storage tanks.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 5,400
- NS Trade Regulations
- Recent Trade Reg Changes (highlights)
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- Boilermaker is a compulsory certified trade in Nova Scotia.
Bricklayer
Builds and repairs walls, floors, fireplaces, walkways with bricks, blocks and stones.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 5,400
- NS Trade Regulations
- Recent Trade Reg Changes (highlights)
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- 2015 Curriculum Standard Harmonized
- Bricklayer is a compulsory certified trade in Nova Scotia.
Cabinetmaker
Builds custom or production-type wooden (or wood substitute) fixtures and furniture.
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- The only pathway to certification in Nova Scotia is to challenge the Red Seal Certification Exam as a trade qualifier.
Carpenter
Works with wood or wood substitutes in the construction of buildings.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 7,200
Communications Technician
Installs, repairs, upgrades and maintains communication cables.
- Regulated by the Technical Safety Division
- More Information
- The only pathway to certification in Nova Scotia is to challenge the Provincial Certification Exam as a trade qualifier.
Concrete Finisher
Places, finishes, cuts, and repairs concrete.
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- The only pathway to certification in Nova Scotia is to challenge the Red Seal Certification Exam as a trade qualifier.
Construction Craft Worker
Sets up/dismantles forms; performs site preparation and clean-up, excavation, backfill/compaction, traffic control duties, concrete placement and finishing and mason tending; and operates grading equipment.
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- The only pathway to certification in Nova Scotia is to challenge the Red Seal Certification Exam as a trade qualifier.
Construction Electrician
Installs, alters, repairs, and connects, electrical systems that provide heat, light, power in residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial environments.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 7,200
- Trade Regulations
- Recent Trade Reg Changes (highlights)
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- 2017 Curriculum Standard (Harmonized)
- 2016 Curriculum Standard (Non-Harmonized)
- Construction Electrician is a compulsory certified trade in Nova Scotia.
- Red Seal Construction Electricians from outside of Nova Scotia need a Nova Scotia Equivalency Card to pull a electrical building permit in Nova Scotia.
Cook
Prepares food and meals in hotels, restaurants and institutions.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 5,400
Drywall Finisher and Plasterer
Surfaces, tapes and finishes wallboard (drywall). Applies, maintains and restores plaster and similar materials on interior and exterior walls, ceilings and building partitions to make them more decorative, soundproof and fire-rated. Textures concrete, applies coats of plaster to foundation materials and installs, repairs and restores mouldings and ornaments.
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- The only pathway to certification in Nova Scotia is to challenge the Red Seal Certification Exam as a trade qualifier.
Electric Motor System Technician
Repairs and rebuilds electric motors, generators, transformers, controls, and equipment.
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- The only pathway to certification in Nova Scotia is to challenge the Red Seal Certification Exam as a trade qualifier.
Elevating Device Mechanic A/B
Constructs, installs, alters, repairs, maintains, services, inspects, examines and tests elevating devices.
- Regulated by the Technical Safety Division
- NS Trade Regulations
- Recent Trade Reg Changes (highlights)
- NS Occupational Standard
- The only pathway to certification in Nova Scotia is to challenge the Provincial Certification Exam as a trade qualifier.
- TQ Hrs for Elevating Device Mechanic A = 10,800. TQ Hrs for Elevating Device Mechanic B = 5,400.
Floorcovering Installer
Installs many types of resilient or carpet floor coverings.
- NS Trade Regulations
- Recent Trade Reg Changes (highlights)
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- The only pathway to certification in Nova Scotia is to challenge the Red Seal Certification Exam as a trade qualifier.
Gasfitter A/Gasfitter B
Installs piping, appliances, equipment, and controls for the use of natural gas or propane as a fuel.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: See below
- NS Trade Regulations
- Recent Trade Reg Changes (highlights)
- The Gasfitter Trade is regulated in Nova Scotia by the Technical Safety Division of LAE
- More Information on Gasfitter Regulations in NS
- Gasfitter Class B Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- Gasfitter Class A Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- 2018 Gasfitter B Curriculum Standard Program Structure (two levels of training)
Glazier
Prepares, installs, and replaces glass.
Technical training is available out-of-province.
Hairstylist
Shampoos, cuts, styles and chemically treats hair.
- Regulated in NS by The Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia (CANS)
- TQ Hrs = Master Hairstylist Certificate/Licence issued by CANS
- NS General Trade Regulations
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
Repairs and maintains heavy construction and off-highway vehicles, whether wheeled or tracked.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 7,200
Heavy Equipment Operator (Dozer)
Dozer operators operate dozers to move, spread and strip earth, rock, gravel or other materials during construction and related activities. They work in the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, airports and utilities, and the construction of gas and oil pipelines, tunnels, buildings and other structures. Dozers are also used to clear brush and stumps prior to logging activities and to build roads at logging and surface mining sites.
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- The only pathway to certification in Nova Scotia is to challenge the Red Seal Certification Exam as a trade qualifier.
Heavy Equipment Operator (Excavator)
Excavator operators operate excavators to excavate, move, lift, strip, stockpile and place earth, rock, gravel or other materials. They work in the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, airports and utilities, and the construction of gas and oil pipelines, tunnels, buildings and other structures. They also operate equipment in surface mining, quarrying, and land clearing activities. Excavators are also used to create slopes, to clear land at logging and surface mining sites and to perform demolitions.
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- The only pathway to certification in Nova Scotia is to challenge the Red Seal Certification Exam as a trade qualifier.
Heavy Equipment Operator (Tractor-Loader-Backhoe)
Tractor-loader-backhoe operators (TLB) operate tractor-loader-backhoes to move and load earth, rock, gravel or other materials during construction and related activities. They work in the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, airports and utilities, and of gas and oil pipelines, tunnels, buildings and other structures. They also operate equipment in surface mining, quarrying, and land clearing activities.
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- The only pathway to certification in Nova Scotia is to challenge the Red Seal Certification Exam as a trade qualifier.
Industrial Electrician
Installs, alters, repairs and maintains electrical systems in buildings and residences.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 7,200
Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)
Installs and maintains machinery and equipment in factories and production plants.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 7,200
Instrumentation and Control Technician
Repairs, maintains, and installs industrial measuring and controlling equipment.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 7,200
Insulator (Heat and Frost)
Installs insulating materials in commercial and industrial structures; removes asbestos.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 7,200
Ironworker (Generalist)
Builds, erects, constructs, and joins structural steel used in buildings, bridges, and towers.
- NS Trade Regulations
- Recent Trade Reg Changes (highlights)
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- The only pathway to certification in Nova Scotia is to challenge the Red Seal Certification Exam as a trade qualifier.
Ironworker (Reinforcing)
Cuts, bends, lays out, places, and welds reinforcing steel rods, welded wire fabric and composite materials in poured concrete products and structures. Places and stresses post-tensioning systems.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 3,600
Ironworker (Structural/Ornamental)
Installs and reinforces steel components, precast concrete and glued laminated timber products. Also erects pre-engineered buildings, scaffolds, cranes, hoists and derricks.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 5,400
Landscape Horticulturist
Prepares, lays out and completes a landscape installation plan.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 6,000
- NS Trade Regulations
- Recent Trade Reg Changes (highlights)
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- Landscape Horticulturists with extensive experience can apply to write the Red Seal exam as a trade qualifier
- Landscape Horticulturist apprenticeship training certification involves acquiring four (4) practical industry-based certifications from the Landscape Horticulture Certification Program.
- Hardscape Installation
- Softscape Installation
- Turf Maintenance
- Ornamental Maintenance
Apprentices who obtain these four industry certificates + the required hours can either:
- Write the Red Seal Exam for Red Seal Certification; or
- Obtain a provincial certificate without writing an exam. To apply for the provincial certificate, submit the Landscape form at Forms for Apprentices.
Lather (Interior Systems Mechanic)
Installs ceiling, drywall partitions, sound proofing and vapour barriers in buildings.
- NS Trade Regulations
- Recent Trade Reg Changes (highlights)
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- The only pathway to certification in Nova Scotia is to challenge the Red Seal Certification Exam as a trade qualifier.
Locksmith - INACTIVE
Repairs, installs and adjusts locks, and maintains safes and vaults.
Machinist
Manufactures and repairs industrial components and mechanical devices by using a variety of metal cutting and shaping machinery.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 7,200
Marine Fitter - INACTIVE
Outfits and refits ships and other marine structures including the survey, maintenance, repair, overhaul, alteration, fabrication, installation, alignment test and trial of marine engineering systems, equipment and components.
Marine Service Technician
Services and repairs, refits and upgrades marine vessels (motor and sail). The service and repair of marine vessels includes structural, cosmetic, electrical and mechanical work.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 7,200
Metal Fabricator (Fitter)
Makes and repairs metal parts used in the construction of bridges, buildings, and boilers.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 5,400
Mine Electrician - INACTIVE
Installs, repairs, and maintains electrical equipment and systems used in mining.
Mine Mechanic - INACTIVE
Repairs, maintains and assembles equipment and machinery used in mining.
Mobile Crane Operator
Uses mobile cranes to lift, move, position and place materials and equipment. Performs pre-operational inspections; calculates crane capacities, determines load weight, and sets-up, positions and stabilizes the crane before the lift. Disassembles, travels and transports mobile cranes.
- Regulated by the Technical Safety Division
- NS Crane Operators Regulations
- TQ Hrs = Mobile Crane Operator 1 or 2 Certificate
- More information on Crane Operator Regulations in NS
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- The only pathway to certification in Nova Scotia is to challenge the Red Seal Certification Exam. Contact your Industry Training Consultant for more information.
Motorcycle Mechanic
Assembles, services, and repairs motorcycles, motorscooters and accessories.
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- The only pathway to certification in Nova Scotia is to challenge the Red Seal Certification Exam as a trade qualifier.
Oil Heat System Technician
Installs, repairs and services oil burning and oil combination burning equipment and appliances.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 5,400
- NS Trade Regulations
- Recent Trade Reg Changes (highlights)
- More information on Oil Heat System Technician Regulations in NS
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- 2008 Curriculum Standard
- Oil Heat System Technician is a compulsory certified trade in Nova Scotia.
Painter and Decorator
Applies paint, varnish, stain, wallpaper and wallcoverings to interior and exterior surfaces.
- NS Trade Regulations
- Recent Trade Reg Changes (highlights)
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- The only pathway to certification in Nova Scotia is to challenge the Red Seal Certification Exam as a trade qualifier.
Parts Technician
Stores and dispenses automotive, heavy duty or farm machinery parts.
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- The only pathway to certification in Nova Scotia is to challenge the Red Seal Certification Exam as a trade qualifier.
Plumber
Installs and repairs piping and other equipment used to move, store, or dispose of water, gas, and sewage.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 7,200
- NS Trade Regulations
- Recent Trade Reg Changes (highlights)
- More Info
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- 2017 Curriculum Standard Harmonized
- 2008 Curriculum Standard Non-Harmonized
- Plumber is a compulsory certified trade in Nova Scotia.
Power Engineer
Maintains equipment, boilers and generators that provide heat, ventilation and power for buildings.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: See below
- Regulated by the Technical Safety Division
- NS Power Engineer Trade Regulations
- App Hrs - See Trade Regulations for "Engine Operators"; TQ Hrs - Consult the Technical Safety Division
- Curriculum Standards:
- Power Engineer 4th Class Program Structure
- Power Engineer 3rd Class Program Structure
- Power Engineer 2nd Class Program Structure
Powerline Technician
Builds and maintains overhead and underground electrical systems, powerlines, poles and street lights.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 7,200
Recreation Vehicle Service Technician
Installs and repairs exterior and interior components, installs accessories, and performs pre-delivery inspections on motor homes, holiday trailers, fifth wheels, truck campers and tent trailers.
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- The only pathway to certification in Nova Scotia is to challenge the Red Seal Certification Exam as a trade qualifier.
Refrigeration & A/C Mechanic
Installs and services refrigerating and air conditioning systems.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 7,200
- NS Trade Regulations
- Recent Trade Reg Changes (highlights)
- More information (heat pumps)
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- 2010 Curriculum Standard
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic is a compulsory certified trade in Nova Scotia.
Restoration Stone Mason
Constructs and repairs structures using stone.
- NS Trade Regulations
- Recent Trade Reg Changes (highlights)
- The only pathway to certification in Nova Scotia is to challenge the Provincial Certification Exam as a trade qualifier.
Rig Technician
Operates the drawworks, rotary equipment and pumps, inspects rigs, maintains records of drilling operations, and oversees rig mobilization and demobilization.
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- The only pathway to certification in Nova Scotia is to challenge the Red Seal Certification Exam as a trade qualifier.
Roofer
Installs and repairs single-ply or multi-ply roofing systems, shingles and pre-formed rigid sheeting.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 5,400
Sheet Metal Worker
Designs, makes, installs and repairs sheet metal products and parts.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 7,200
- NS Trade Regulations
- Recent Trade Reg Changes (highlights)
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- 2020 Curriculum Standard
- 2014 Curriculum Standard
- Sheet Metal Worker is a compulsory certified trade in Nova Scotia.
Sprinkler Fitter
Installs and maintains permanent fire extinguishing systems.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 7,200
- NS Trade Regulations
- Recent Trade Reg Changes (highlights)
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- 2019 Curriculum Standard Harmonized
- 2009 Curriculum Standard Non-Harmonized
- Sprinkler Fitter is a compulsory certified trade in Nova Scotia.
Steamfitter/Pipefitter
Installs piping, equipment, and controls for hot water, steam, process and chemical piping.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 7,200
- NS Trade Regulations
- Recent Trade Reg Changes (highlights)
- More info
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- Curriculum Standard 2017 Harmonized
- Curriculum Standard 2013 Non-Harmonized
- Steamfitter/Pipefitter is a compulsory certified trade in Nova Scotia.
Tilesetter
Covers, repairs and decorates surfaces using ceramic, marble and other materials.
- NS General Trade Regulations
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- The only pathway to certification in Nova Scotia is to challenge the Red Seal Certification Exam as a trade qualifier.
Tool and Die Maker
Makes, repairs, modifies custom-made prototype or special tools, dies, and fixtures.
- NS General Trade Regulations
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- The only pathway to certification in Nova Scotia is to challenge the Red Seal Certification Exam as a trade qualifier.
Tower Crane Operator
Operates any mechanical device or structure that incorporates a power-driven drum with a cable or rope and a vertical mast or tower and stationary or luffing boom.
- Regulated by the Technical Safety Division
- NS Trade Regulations
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- To challenge the Tower Crane Operator Red Seal Exam as a trade qualifier, you must have a Tower Crane Operator Certificate of Competency
- More Info on Crane Operator Regs and Certification in NS
Transport Trailer Technician
Repairs and services the braking, electrical, hydraulic system and heating/ cooling units of trucks-trailers.
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- The only pathway to certification in Nova Scotia is to challenge the Red Seal Certification Exam as a trade qualifier.
Truck and Transport Mechanic
Repairs and services the various systems and engine components of buses and transport vehicles.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 7,200
- NS Trade Regulations
- Recent Trade Reg Changes (highlights)
- Red Seal Occupational Standard & other Red Seal resources
- 2020 Curriculum Standard Harmonized
- 2017 Curriculum Standard Non-Harmonized
- Truck and Transport Mechanic is a compulsory certified trade in Nova Scotia.
Welder
Joins, cuts, or shapes metal using electric arc, oxyacetylene flame or other processes.
Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 5,400
- "High Pressure Welding" is regulated by the Technical Safety Division
- Certain Welding processes in Nova Scotia are regulated at the company level by industry associations CWB and ASME.
- NS Trade Regulations
- Recent Trade Reg Changes (highlights)
- Welder Practical Exam Information
- Curriculum Standard 2016 (Harmonized)