Become an Apprentice

Once a potential apprentice and an employer decide to enter into an apprenticeship agreement, an application package must be completed, signed and submitted to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.

To become an apprentice (including Youth Apprentice, 16 to 19 years old) in the trade in which you are employed, you must be supervised in the workplace by a certified journeyperson. In Nova Scotia, if you are currently working in one of the compulsory certified trades, contact the apprenticeship office nearest you and ask to speak with an Industry Training Consultant about how to obtain a temporary permit. A temporary permit allows individuals to continue to work in the trade while the registration process takes place.

Discuss the apprenticeship program with your employer and find out if they are willing to sign an apprenticeship agreement with you. Then, register as an apprentice!

  • If you have prior work experience or training, you could receive CREDIT.
  • You can also TRANSFER your existing Nova Scotia apprenticeship agreement.

REGISTER (Employed in Nova Scotia)

  • There is a fee for the registration/photo identification card.
  • This process is for initial apprenticeship agreements only. For information about transferring an apprenticeship agreement from one employer to another, please see the section called "Transfer Your Apprenticeship".
  • Review the information in your category below (COMPULSORY TRADE, NON-COMPULSORY TRADE or YOUTH).
  • Contact a Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA) Industry Training Consultant and make an appointment any time that makes sense for you or your business. You will need to meet with the consultant to register your apprenticeship agreement.

Employed in a Compulsory Trade

1. Congratulations! You're working in a skilled trade. Being employed is the first step.

If you are employed full- or part-time in one of Nova Scotia's designated trades, you can register as an apprentice. To register, you must be supervised in the workplace by a certified journeyperson. As well, individuals working in one of the compulsory certified trades must contact the apprenticeship office nearest them (or call toll-free 1-800-494-5651) and ask to speak with an Industry Training Consultant about how to obtain a temporary permit. A temporary permit allows individuals to continue to work in the trade while the registration process takes place.

If you are employed full- or part-time in one of Nova Scotia's designated trades, you can register as an apprentice. To register, you must be supervised in the workplace by a certified journeyperson. As well, individuals working in one of the compulsory certified trades must contact the apprenticeship office nearest them (or call toll-free 1-800-494-5651) and ask to speak with an Industry Training Consultant about how to obtain a temporary permit. A temporary permit allows individuals to continue to work in the trade while the registration process takes place.

2. Submit the Required Forms and Support Documentation

Because you are working in a compulsory trade, you and your employer need to enter into an apprenticeship agreement with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency so that you can become a registered apprentice.

To register as a Nova Scotia apprentice, the Apprenticeship Registration Form and all required support documentation** must be completed and submitted to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency for review and approval. We recommend that both the employer and the apprentice complete the form together, as it contains information that pertains to both parties. If, at any time during the process, you have any questions, or wish to discuss any concerns you have about the registration process, please contact the Industry Training Consultant for your trade/region.

**Support Documentation

The following support documentation is only required if the potential apprentice wishes to receive credit for technical training and practical experience (hours) towards their apprenticeship program.

  • Proof of previous trades training (certificates/diplomas, transcripts)
  • Proof of previous work experience (employer letters should be signed and on company letterhead, and include dates of employment, number of hours of hands-on-work experience and a description of the job duties/tasks)

Because you are working in a compulsory trade, you and your employer need to enter into an apprenticeship agreement with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency so that you can become a registered apprentice.

To register as a Nova Scotia apprentice, the Apprenticeship Registration Form and all required support documentation** must be completed and submitted to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency for review and approval. We recommend that both the employer and the apprentice complete the form together, as it contains information that pertains to both parties. If, at any time during the process, you have any questions, or wish to discuss any concerns you have about the registration process, please contact the Industry Training Consultant for your trade/region.

**Support Documentation

The following support documentation is only required if the potential apprentice wishes to receive credit for technical training and practical experience (hours) towards their apprenticeship program.

  • Proof of previous trades training (certificates/diplomas, transcripts)
  • Proof of previous work experience (employer letters should be signed and on company letterhead, and include dates of employment, number of hours of hands-on-work experience and a description of the job duties/tasks)
3. Arrange a Meeting

After you've submitted the complete application package to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, please contact the Industry Training Consultant for your trade/region to arrange a meeting with the Consultant, the employer and the apprentice.

If the application package is complete, the Industry Training Consultant will meet with the employer and apprentice to discuss the apprenticeship program in detail; review the roles and responsibilities of the Agency, employer and apprentice; confirm, if applicable, the credited technical training hours and practical work experience hours; and discuss the requirements for direct supervision of the apprentice by a journeyperson. The Industry Training Consultant will then have the employer and apprentice sign the form, and will return the form to the Apprenticeship office for the Director/Designate's signature.

After you've submitted the complete application package to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, please contact the Industry Training Consultant for your trade/region to arrange a meeting with the Consultant, the employer and the apprentice.

If the application package is complete, the Industry Training Consultant will meet with the employer and apprentice to discuss the apprenticeship program in detail; review the roles and responsibilities of the Agency, employer and apprentice; confirm, if applicable, the credited technical training hours and practical work experience hours; and discuss the requirements for direct supervision of the apprentice by a journeyperson. The Industry Training Consultant will then have the employer and apprentice sign the form, and will return the form to the Apprenticeship office for the Director/Designate's signature.

4. The Agreement Gets Registered
  • An Agency Director/Designate will sign the agreement;
  • The Agency will forward a signed copy of the agreement to the apprentice and employer; and
  • The Agency will forward a logbook and a Nova Scotia Apprentice ID Card to the apprentice.
  • An Agency Director/Designate will sign the agreement;
  • The Agency will forward a signed copy of the agreement to the apprentice and employer; and
  • The Agency will forward a logbook and a Nova Scotia Apprentice ID Card to the apprentice.

Employed in a Non-compulsory Trade

1. Congratulations! You're working in a skilled trade. Being employed is your first step.

If you are employed full- or part-time in one of Nova Scotia's designated trades, you can register as an apprentice. To register, you must be supervised in the workplace by a certified journeyperson.

If you are employed full- or part-time in one of Nova Scotia's designated trades, you can register as an apprentice. To register, you must be supervised in the workplace by a certified journeyperson.

2. Discuss the Apprenticeship Program with your Employer

Discuss the apprenticeship program with your employer and find out if they are willing to sign an apprenticeship agreement with you. Once you and your employer decide to enter into an agreement, you can register as an apprentice with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.

Discuss the apprenticeship program with your employer and find out if they are willing to sign an apprenticeship agreement with you. Once you and your employer decide to enter into an agreement, you can register as an apprentice with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.

3. Submit the Required Forms and Support Documentation

To register as a Nova Scotia apprentice, the Apprenticeship Registration Form and all required support documentation** must be completed and submitted to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency for review and approval. We recommend that both the employer and the apprentice complete the form together, as it contains information that pertains to both parties. If, at any time during the process, you have any questions, or wish to discuss any concerns you have about the registration process, please contact the Industry Training Consultant for your trade/region.

**Support Documentation

The following support documentation is only required if the potential apprentice wishes to receive credit for technical training and practical experience (hours) towards their apprenticeship program.

  • Proof of previous trades training (certificates/diplomas, transcripts)
  • Proof of previous work experience (employer letters should be signed and on company letterhead, and include dates of employment, number of hours of hands-on-work experience and a description of the job duties/tasks)

To register as a Nova Scotia apprentice, the Apprenticeship Registration Form and all required support documentation** must be completed and submitted to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency for review and approval. We recommend that both the employer and the apprentice complete the form together, as it contains information that pertains to both parties. If, at any time during the process, you have any questions, or wish to discuss any concerns you have about the registration process, please contact the Industry Training Consultant for your trade/region.

**Support Documentation

The following support documentation is only required if the potential apprentice wishes to receive credit for technical training and practical experience (hours) towards their apprenticeship program.

  • Proof of previous trades training (certificates/diplomas, transcripts)
  • Proof of previous work experience (employer letters should be signed and on company letterhead, and include dates of employment, number of hours of hands-on-work experience and a description of the job duties/tasks)
4. Arrange a Meeting

After you've submitted the complete application package to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, please contact the Industry Training Consultant for your trade/region to arrange a meeting with the Consultant, the employer and the apprentice.

If the application package is complete, the Industry Training Consultant will meet with the employer and apprentice to discuss the apprenticeship program in detail; review the roles and responsibilities of the Agency, employer and apprentice; confirm, if applicable, the credited technical training hours and practical work experience hours; and discuss the requirements for direct supervision of the apprentice by a journeyperson. The Industry Training Consultant will then have the employer and apprentice sign the form, and will return the form to the Apprenticeship office for the Director/Designate's signature.

After you've submitted the complete application package to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, please contact the Industry Training Consultant for your trade/region to arrange a meeting with the Consultant, the employer and the apprentice.

If the application package is complete, the Industry Training Consultant will meet with the employer and apprentice to discuss the apprenticeship program in detail; review the roles and responsibilities of the Agency, employer and apprentice; confirm, if applicable, the credited technical training hours and practical work experience hours; and discuss the requirements for direct supervision of the apprentice by a journeyperson. The Industry Training Consultant will then have the employer and apprentice sign the form, and will return the form to the Apprenticeship office for the Director/Designate's signature.

5. The Agreement Gets Registered
  • An Agency Director/Designate will sign the agreement;
  • The Agency will forward a signed copy of the agreement to the apprentice and employer; and
  • The Agency will forward a logbook and a Nova Scotia Apprentice ID Card to the apprentice.
  • An Agency Director/Designate will sign the agreement;
  • The Agency will forward a signed copy of the agreement to the apprentice and employer; and
  • The Agency will forward a logbook and a Nova Scotia Apprentice ID Card to the apprentice.
1. Congratulations! You're working in a skilled trade. Being employed is your first step.

If you are 16 to 19 years old, working towards a High School Diploma and employed full- or part-time in one of Nova Scotia's designated trades, you can register as a Youth Apprentice. As a Youth Apprentice, you will only need to pay the cost of issuing your apprenticeship ID card, which is less than $20.00.

To register, you must be supervised in the workplace by a certified journeyperson. If you are currently working in one of the compulsory certified trades, contact the apprenticeship office nearest you and ask to speak with an Industry Training Consultant about how to obtain a temporary permit. A temporary permit allows individuals to continue to work in the trade while the registration process takes place.

If you are 16 to 19 years old, working towards a High School Diploma and employed full- or part-time in one of Nova Scotia's designated trades, you can register as a Youth Apprentice. As a Youth Apprentice, you will only need to pay the cost of issuing your apprenticeship ID card, which is less than $20.00.

To register, you must be supervised in the workplace by a certified journeyperson. If you are currently working in one of the compulsory certified trades, contact the apprenticeship office nearest you and ask to speak with an Industry Training Consultant about how to obtain a temporary permit. A temporary permit allows individuals to continue to work in the trade while the registration process takes place.

2. Submit the Required Forms and Support Documentation

If you are working in a compulsory trade, you and your employer need to enter into an apprenticeship agreement with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency so that you can become a registered apprentice.

If you are working in a non-compulsory trade, discuss the apprenticeship program with your employer and find out if they are willing to sign an apprenticeship agreement with you. Once you and your employer decide to enter into an agreement, you can register as a Youth Apprentice with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.

To register as a Nova Scotia Youth Apprentice, the Apprenticeship Registration Form and all required support documentation** must be completed and submitted to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency for review and approval. We recommend that both the employer and the apprentice complete the form together, as it contains information that pertains to both parties. If, at any time during the process, you have any questions, or wish to discuss any concerns you have about the registration process, please contact the Industry Training Consultant for your trade/region.

**Support Documentation

The following support documentation is only required if the potential apprentice wishes to receive credit for technical training and practical experience (hours) towards their apprenticeship program.

  • Proof of previous trades training (certificates/diplomas, transcripts)
  • Proof of previous work experience (employer letters should be signed and on company letterhead, and include dates of employment, number of hours of hands-on-work experience and a description of the job duties/tasks)

If you are working in a compulsory trade, you and your employer need to enter into an apprenticeship agreement with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency so that you can become a registered apprentice.

If you are working in a non-compulsory trade, discuss the apprenticeship program with your employer and find out if they are willing to sign an apprenticeship agreement with you. Once you and your employer decide to enter into an agreement, you can register as a Youth Apprentice with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.

To register as a Nova Scotia Youth Apprentice, the Apprenticeship Registration Form and all required support documentation** must be completed and submitted to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency for review and approval. We recommend that both the employer and the apprentice complete the form together, as it contains information that pertains to both parties. If, at any time during the process, you have any questions, or wish to discuss any concerns you have about the registration process, please contact the Industry Training Consultant for your trade/region.

**Support Documentation

The following support documentation is only required if the potential apprentice wishes to receive credit for technical training and practical experience (hours) towards their apprenticeship program.

  • Proof of previous trades training (certificates/diplomas, transcripts)
  • Proof of previous work experience (employer letters should be signed and on company letterhead, and include dates of employment, number of hours of hands-on-work experience and a description of the job duties/tasks)
3. Arrange a Meeting

After you've submitted the complete application package to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, please contact the Industry Training Consultant for your trade/region to arrange a meeting with the Consultant, the employer and the apprentice.

If the application package is complete, the Industry Training Consultant will meet with the employer and apprentice to discuss the apprenticeship program in detail; review the roles and responsibilities of the Agency, employer and apprentice; confirm, if applicable, the credited technical training hours and practical work experience hours; and discuss the requirements for direct supervision of the apprentice by a journeyperson. The Industry Training Consultant will then have the employer and apprentice sign the form, and will return the form to the Apprenticeship office for the Director/Designate's signature.

After you've submitted the complete application package to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, please contact the Industry Training Consultant for your trade/region to arrange a meeting with the Consultant, the employer and the apprentice.

If the application package is complete, the Industry Training Consultant will meet with the employer and apprentice to discuss the apprenticeship program in detail; review the roles and responsibilities of the Agency, employer and apprentice; confirm, if applicable, the credited technical training hours and practical work experience hours; and discuss the requirements for direct supervision of the apprentice by a journeyperson. The Industry Training Consultant will then have the employer and apprentice sign the form, and will return the form to the Apprenticeship office for the Director/Designate's signature.

4. The Agreement Gets Registered
  • An Agency Director/Designate will sign the agreement;
  • The Agency will forward a signed copy of the agreement to the apprentice and employer; and
  • The Agency will forward a logbook and a Nova Scotia Apprentice ID Card to the apprentice.
  • An Agency Director/Designate will sign the agreement;
  • The Agency will forward a signed copy of the agreement to the apprentice and employer; and
  • The Agency will forward a logbook and a Nova Scotia Apprentice ID Card to the apprentice.
  • If you do not have an EXISTING NOVA SCOTIA apprenticeship agreement, you must complete the full apprenticeship agreement available in the section above.
  • There is no fee to transfer an apprenticeship agreement.
  • Only complete a transfer agreement when transferring an existing Nova Scotia apprenticeship agreement from one employer to another.
  • When transferring a Nova Scotia apprenticeship agreement from one employer to another, the new employer MUST accept the practical work experience hours approved by the previous employer.
Employed in Nova Scotia

Submit the Apprenticeship Transfer Form.

Submit the Apprenticeship Transfer Form.

Employed in All Other Canadian Provinces/Territories

Submit the Apprenticeship Transfer Form.

Submit the Apprenticeship Transfer Form.

REGISTER (Employed in Other Provinces)

This process is for initial apprenticeship agreements only. For information about transferring an apprenticeship agreement from one employer to another, please see the section "Transfer Your Apprenticeship".

A potential apprentice can enter into an apprenticeship agreement if:

  • they are a permanent resident of Nova Scotia; and
  • they are currently employed in a Canadian province/territory.
1. Submit the Required Forms and Support Documentation

To register as a Nova Scotia apprentice, the Apprenticeship Registration Form and all required support documentation** must be completed and submitted to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency for review and approval. We recommend that both the employer and the apprentice complete the form together, as it contains information that pertains to both parties. If you have questions regarding eligibility and process, please contact the Industry Training Consultant in the trade/region nearest your Nova Scotia residence.

**Support Documentation

The following support documentation is only required if the potential apprentice wishes to receive credit for technical training and practical experience (hours) towards their apprenticeship program.

  • Proof of previous trades training (certificates/diplomas, transcripts)
  • Proof of previous work experience (employer letters should be signed and on company letterhead, and include dates of employment, number of hours of hands-on-work experience and a description of the job duties/tasks)

To register as a Nova Scotia apprentice, the Apprenticeship Registration Form and all required support documentation** must be completed and submitted to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency for review and approval. We recommend that both the employer and the apprentice complete the form together, as it contains information that pertains to both parties. If you have questions regarding eligibility and process, please contact the Industry Training Consultant in the trade/region nearest your Nova Scotia residence.

**Support Documentation

The following support documentation is only required if the potential apprentice wishes to receive credit for technical training and practical experience (hours) towards their apprenticeship program.

  • Proof of previous trades training (certificates/diplomas, transcripts)
  • Proof of previous work experience (employer letters should be signed and on company letterhead, and include dates of employment, number of hours of hands-on-work experience and a description of the job duties/tasks)
2. The Agreement Gets Registered

After the complete application package (required forms and support documentation) has been received by the Agency, it will be reviewed:

  • an Agency representative will confirm the credited technical training hours (if applicable) on the form;
  • an Agency representative will confirm the credited practical work experience hours (if applicable) on the form.

If approved:

  • an Agency Director/Designate will sign the agreement;
  • the Agency will forward a signed copy of the agreement to the apprentice and employer;
  • the Agency will forward a logbook and a Nova Scotia Apprentice ID Card to the apprentice.

If the application is not approved, all parties will be notified.

After the complete application package (required forms and support documentation) has been received by the Agency, it will be reviewed:

  • an Agency representative will confirm the credited technical training hours (if applicable) on the form;
  • an Agency representative will confirm the credited practical work experience hours (if applicable) on the form.

If approved:

  • an Agency Director/Designate will sign the agreement;
  • the Agency will forward a signed copy of the agreement to the apprentice and employer;
  • the Agency will forward a logbook and a Nova Scotia Apprentice ID Card to the apprentice.

If the application is not approved, all parties will be notified.