New Supports Provide Apprentices With Money For Tools and Technology
On February 16, 2024, Jill Balser, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration, announced two new grants at Port Hawkesbury Paper to help registered apprentices purchase tools and technology to support their training and launch their careers.
The Province will provide a taxable, one-time grant of up to $1,000 for apprentices to purchase new tools, equipment and clothing required for their trade. A technology support grant will also provide up to $900 to apprentices who are enrolled in training for a computer and accessories.
Applications for the tools grant open in early March. Eligible items could include tools that are essential for apprentices to carry out their work safely and effectively.
Technology supports are available now and all apprentices who are enrolled in technical training as of January 2024 can apply.
This investment is part of the $100 million 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.
Image L-R: Daylan Samson, electrical apprentice, Port Hawkesbury Paper; Trevor Boudreau, Minister of Community Services and MLA for Richmond; Jill Balser, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration; Greg Morrow, Minister of Agriculture and MLA for Guysborough-Tracadie; Michelle Bussey, CEO of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency; and Bevan Lock, mill co-manager at Port Hawkesbury Paper. Other than cropping, CNS photos are not to be altered in any way.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A New Way to Digitally Access Credentials
The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA) is excited to introduce MyCreds™, an innovative digital credential wallet. MyCreds™ provides a secure, efficient, and convenient way for apprentices and trades professionals to share, and for employers to access, digital credentials.
NSAA is now issuing digital Certificates of Qualification and identification cards. Documents issued through MyCreds™ are verifiable, secure, and cryptographically signed, meaning they can’t be altered.
The introduction of MyCreds™️ is an exciting step in modernizing the apprenticeship and trades certification system in Nova Scotia and is part of the government’s actions for growing the skilled trades, faster. More information is available HERE.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More Training, Support for Skilled Trades Professionals
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New High Skills Major Certificate Pilot Program
The High Skills Major certificate is a brand-new program that enables students to earn credits toward their high school diploma while completing courses, and experiencing real-world opportunities related to their career interests.
The program was developed for students to increase their awareness of labour market options and make informed decisions about their education and future. Through the program, students can develop specialized skills, earn sector-valued credentials, and have opportunities to network with professionals and employers. After completing all requirements, students earn a certificate in addition to their high school diploma and will also be able to share their portfolio with post-secondary programs and employers.
The initiative, developed by Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD), launched in September 2023 as a pilot program in nine schools across the province. Schools are piloting one of three certificates: Arts, Skilled Trades, or Technology.
More information is available HERE.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Voluntary Trade Provides Pathway to Certification for Institutional Kitchens Workforce
Institutional Cook is now a designated trade under the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act. Institutional Cooks prepare, cook, season, and serve small to large quantity meals to guests and residents in institutional settings, such as hospitals, retirement and long-term care homes, daycare centres, educational institutes, correctional facilities, and military bases.
Apprentices in the Institutional Cook trade can now be registered and may obtain practical experience under the supervision of a certified journeyperson Cook or Institutional Cook. The training pathway includes 3,600 hours of experience and two levels of training, with level 1 technical training and examination being common to the Cook trade.
Individuals with a minimum of 5,400 hours of experience in the trade may be eligible to write the Institutional Cook certification exam as a Trade Qualifier. The exam is currently available and NSAA is waiving the Trade Qualifier fee until January 17, 2026, to encourage capacity building in the trade.
More information is available HERE.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you would like to be added to NSAA's newsletter distribution list and receive bimonthly industry updates directly to your inbox, please contact dany.rubbo@novascotia.ca.