In the fall of 2016, changes were made to the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act General Regulations and trade regulations to align our programs and training across the country. These changes will help apprentices complete their training more easily, so they can take full advantage of the opportunities here in the province. Creating consistency across the country will also help employers recruit the people they need. The amendments took effect on April 1, 2017, and will impact your apprenticeship program. Please review the changes by scrolling to the applicable trade below and clicking "Trade Reg Changes". (If there is no "Trade Reg Changes" button, no changes were made to the trade's regulations.)
- 68 trades are currently designated in Nova Scotia
- Red Seal trades
- 13 trades are compulsory certified
Compulsory Certified
To work in a compulsory certified trade, a license, certificate or apprentice/trainee status required. under the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act. - 8 trades are compulsory certified Compulsory Certified
To work in a compulsory certified trade, a license, certificate or apprentice/trainee status required. under another regulatory authority - Sector Profiles: Construction Sector; Industrial/Manufacturing Sector; Motive Power Sector; Service Sector
(Sector Profiles were produced by aggregating trade-level numbers; they’re not meant to be comprehensive profiles.) - Click on the trades below to find TRADE DESCRIPTIONS, CURRICULUM STANDARDS, TRADE REGULATIONS, TRADE REGULATION CHANGES, TRADE HARMONIZATION INFO, TRADE PROFILES, TEST DRIVE VIDEOS and/or MORE INFO.
- Agricultural Equipment Technician
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Agricultural Equipment Technician
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Repairs and services machines typically used in the farming industry.
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
- More information...
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Alarm and Security Technician
- No
- N/A
- 8,100
- Alarm and Security Technician
- No
- N/A
- 8,100
- Installs/repairs intrusion alarm, closed circuit video and access control systems.
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
- More information...
- Appliance Service Technician
- No
- N/A
- 8,100
-
- Appliance Service Technician
- No
- N/A
- 8,100
-
- Repairs and services household appliances.
- Automotive Glass Technician
- No
- N/A
- 7,200
- Automotive Glass Technician
- No
- N/A
- 7,200
- Performs work in fabricating, removing, installing, repairing and generally servicing glass and associated equipment in motor vehicles.
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
- Automotive Service Technician
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Automotive Service Technician
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Services and repairs the brakes, suspension, engine, and fuel systems of cars and light trucks.
- Test Drive Video
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
- More information...
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Auto Serv Tech (Service Centre Technician)
- Yes
- 5,400
- 8,100
- Auto Serv Tech (Service Centre Technician)
- Yes
- 5,400
- 8,100
- Performs tune-ups, safety inspections, services and repairs the brakes, clutch and tires of cars and light trucks.
- Test Drive Video
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
- More information...
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Blaster
- No
- N/A
- Blaster
- No
- N/A
- Engages in all 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
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
- Renew your Blaster Certificate | Training
- More information...
- Blasting Incident Report Video:
- Boat Builder
- Yes
- 5,400
- 9,450
- Boat Builder
- Yes
- 5,400
- 9,450
- 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.
- Test Drive Video
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Boilermaker
- Yes
- 5,400
- 8,100
-
- Boilermaker
- Yes
- 5,400
- 8,100
-
- Builds, tests and repairs air-tight and liquid-tight containers such as boilers and storage tanks.
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Bricklayer
- Yes
- 5,400
- 8,100
-
- Bricklayer
- Yes
- 5,400
- 8,100
-
- Builds and repairs walls, floors, fireplaces, walkways with bricks, blocks and stones.
- Test Drive Video
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Cabinetmaker
- No
- N/A
- 10,800
-
- Cabinetmaker
- No
- N/A
- 10,800
-
- Builds custom or production-type wooden (or wood substitute) fixtures and furniture.
- Carpenter
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Carpenter
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Works with wood or wood substitutes in the construction of buildings.
- Test Drive Video
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Communications Technician
- No
- N/A
- Communications Technician
- No
- N/A
- Installs, repairs, upgrades and maintains communication cables.
- Regulated by the Technical Safety Division
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
- More information...
- Concrete Finisher
- No
- N/A
- 5,400
-
- Concrete Finisher
- No
- N/A
- 5,400
-
- Places, finishes, cuts, and repairs concrete.
- Construction Craft Worker
- No
- N/A
- 5,400
-
- Construction Craft Worker
- No
- N/A
- 5,400
-
- 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.
- Construction Electrician
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Construction Electrician
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Installs, alters, repairs and maintains electrical systems in buildings and residences.
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
- More information...
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Cook
- Yes
- 5,400
- 8,100
-
- Cook
- Yes
- 5,400
- 8,100
-
- Prepares food and meals in hotels, restaurants and institutions.
- Test Drive Video
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Electric Motor System Technician
- No
- N/A
- 10,800
-
- Electric Motor System Technician
- No
- N/A
- 10,800
-
- Repairs and rebuilds electric motors, generators, transformers, controls, and equipment.
- Floorcovering Installer
- No
- 5,400
- 8,100
-
- Floorcovering Installer
- No
- 5,400
- 8,100
-
- Installs many types of resilient or carpet floor coverings.
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
- Gasfitter A/Gasfitter B
- Yes
-
- Gasfitter A/Gasfitter B
- Yes
-
- Installs piping, appliances, equipment, and controls for the use of natural gas or propane as a fuel.
- Regulated by the Technical Safety Division
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
- More information...
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Hairstylist
- No
- N/A
-
- Hairstylist
- No
- N/A
-
- Shampoos, cuts, styles and chemically treats hair.
- Regulated by the The Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
- Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Repairs and maintains heavy-duty equipment such as bulldozers, cranes and graders.
- Test Drive Video
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Heavy Equipment Operator (Dozer)
- No
- N/A
- 8,100
-
- Heavy Equipment Operator (Dozer)
- No
- N/A
- 8,100
-
- 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.
- Heavy Equipment Operator (Excavator)
- No
- N/A
- 8,100
-
- Heavy Equipment Operator (Excavator)
- No
- N/A
- 8,100
-
- 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.
- Heavy Eq. Op. (Tractor-Loader-Backhoe)
- No
- N/A
- 8,100
-
- Heavy Eq. Op. (Tractor-Loader-Backhoe)
- No
- N/A
- 8,100
-
- 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.
- Industrial Electrician
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Industrial Electrician
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Installs, alters, repairs and maintains electrical systems in buildings and residences.
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
- More information...
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Installs and maintains machinery and equipment in factories and production plants.
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Instrumentation Control Technician
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Instrumentation Control Technician
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Repairs, maintains, and installs industrial measuring and controlling equipment.
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Insulator (Heat and Frost)
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Insulator (Heat and Frost)
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Installs insulating materials in commercial and industrial structures; removes asbestos.
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Ironworker (Generalist)
- No
- N/A
- 8,100
-
- Ironworker (Generalist)
- No
- N/A
- 8,100
-
- Builds, erects, constructs, and joins structural steel used in buildings, bridges, and towers.
- Test Drive Video
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
- Ironworker (Reinforcing)
- Yes
- 3,600
- 5,400
-
- Ironworker (Reinforcing)
- Yes
- 3,600
- 5,400
-
- 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.
- Test Drive Video
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Ironworker (Structural/Ornamental)
- Yes
- 5,400
- 8,100
-
- Ironworker (Structural/Ornamental)
- Yes
- 5,400
- 8,100
-
- Installs and reinforces steel components, precast concrete and glued laminated timber products. Also erects pre-engineered buildings, scaffolds, cranes, hoists and derricks.
- Test Drive Video
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Landscape Horticulturist
- Yes
- 5,400
- 8,100
-
- Landscape Horticulturist
- Yes
- 5,400
- 8,100
-
- Prepares, lays out and completes a landscape installation plan.
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
- More information...
- Lather (Interior Systems Mechanic)
- No
- N/A
- 10,800
-
- Lather (Interior Systems Mechanic)
- No
- N/A
- 10,800
-
- Installs ceiling, drywall partitions, sound proofing and vapour barriers in buildings.
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
- Locksmith - INACTIVE
- No
- N/A
- N/A
- Locksmith - INACTIVE
- No
- N/A
- N/A
- Repairs, installs and adjusts locks, and maintains safes and vaults.
- Machinist
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Machinist
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Manufactures and repairs industrial components and mechanical devices by using a variety of metal cutting and shaping machinery.
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Marine Fitter - INACTIVE
- No
- N/A
- N/A
- Marine Fitter - INACTIVE
- No
- N/A
- N/A
- 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.
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
- Marine Service Technician
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
- Marine Service Technician
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
- 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.
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Metal Fabricator (Fitter)
- Yes
- 5,400
- 8,100
-
- Metal Fabricator (Fitter)
- Yes
- 5,400
- 8,100
-
- Makes and repairs metal parts used in the construction of bridges, buildings, and boilers.
- Test Drive Video
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Mine Electrician - INACTIVE
- No
- N/A
- N/A
- Mine Electrician - INACTIVE
- No
- N/A
- N/A
- Installs, repairs, and maintains electrical equipment and systems used in mining.
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
- Mine Mechanic - INACTIVE
- No
- N/A
- N/A
- Mine Mechanic - INACTIVE
- No
- N/A
- N/A
- Repairs, maintains and assembles equipment and machinery used in mining.
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
- Mobile Crane Operator
- No
- N/A
-
- Mobile Crane Operator
- No
- N/A
-
- 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
- Trade Regulations
- TQ Hrs = Mobile Crane Operator 1 or 2 Certificate. More information...
- Motor Vehicle Body Rep. (Metal & Paint)
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Motor Vehicle Body Rep. (Metal & Paint)
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Repairs, restores and replaces damaged body parts such as glass, trim, steering, and suspension.
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Motorcycle Mechanic
- No
- N/A
- 8,100
-
- Motorcycle Mechanic
- No
- N/A
- 8,100
-
- Assembles, services, and repairs motorcycles, motorscooters and accessories.
- Oil Heat System Technician
- Yes
- 5,400
- 8,100
-
- Oil Heat System Technician
- Yes
- 5,400
- 8,100
-
- Installs, repairs and services oil burning and oil combination burning equipment and appliances.
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
- More information...
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Painter and Decorator
- No
- N/A
- 8,100
-
- Painter and Decorator
- No
- N/A
- 8,100
-
- Applies paint, varnish, stain, wallpaper and wallcoverings to interior and exterior surfaces.
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
- Partsperson
- No
- N/A
- 8,100
-
- Partsperson
- No
- N/A
- 8,100
-
- Stores and dispenses automotive, heavy duty or farm machinery parts.
- Plumber
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Plumber
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Installs and repairs piping and other equipment used to move, store, or dispose of water, gas, and sewage.
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
- More information...
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Power Engineer
- Yes
- Power Engineer
- Yes
- Maintains equipment, boilers and generators that provide heat, ventilation and power for buildings.
- Regulated by the Technical Safety Division
- Trade Regulations
- App Hrs - See Trade Regulations; TQ Hrs - Contact the Technical Safety Division
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Powerline Technician
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Powerline Technician
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Builds and maintains overhead and underground electrical systems, powerlines, poles and street lights.
- Test Drive Video
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Recreation Vehicle Service Technician
- No
- N/A
- 8,100
-
- Recreation Vehicle Service Technician
- No
- N/A
- 8,100
-
- 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.
- Refrigeration & A/C Mechanic
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Refrigeration & A/C Mechanic
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Installs and services refrigerating and air conditioning systems.
- Test Drive Video
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
- More information (heat pumps)...
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Restoration Stone Mason
- No
- N/A
- 10,800
- Restoration Stone Mason
- No
- N/A
- 10,800
- Constructs and repairs structures using stone.
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
- Rig Technician
- No
- N/A
- 9,000
-
- Rig Technician
- No
- N/A
- 9,000
-
- Operates the drawworks, rotary equipment and pumps, inspects rigs, maintains records of drilling operations, and oversees rig mobilization and demobilization.
- Roofer
- Yes
- 5,400
- 8,100
-
- Roofer
- Yes
- 5,400
- 8,100
-
- Installs and repairs single-ply or multi-ply roofing systems, shingles and pre-formed rigid sheeting.
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Sheet Metal Worker
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Sheet Metal Worker
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Designs, makes, installs and repairs sheet metal products and parts.
- Test Drive Video
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Sprinkler System Installer
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Sprinkler System Installer
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Installs and maintains permanent fire extinguishing systems.
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Steamfitter/Pipefitter
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Steamfitter/Pipefitter
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Installs piping, equipment, and controls for hot water, steam, process and chemical piping.
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
- More information...
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Tilesetter
- No
- N/A
- 8,100
-
- Tilesetter
- No
- N/A
- 8,100
-
- Covers, repairs and decorates surfaces using ceramic, marble and other materials.
- Tool and Die Maker
- No
- N/A
- 10,800
-
- Tool and Die Maker
- No
- N/A
- 10,800
-
- Makes, repairs, modifies custom-made prototype or special tools, dies, and fixtures.
- Tower Crane Operator
- No
- N/A
-
- Tower Crane Operator
- No
- N/A
-
- 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
- Trade Regulations
- TQ Hrs = Mobile Crane Operator 1 or 2 Certificate. More info...
- Transport Trailer Technician
- No
- N/A
- 8,100
-
- Transport Trailer Technician
- No
- N/A
- 8,100
-
- Repairs and services the braking, electrical, hydraulic system and heating/ cooling units of trucks-trailers.
- Truck and Transport Mechanic
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Truck and Transport Mechanic
- Yes
- 7,200
- 10,800
-
- Repairs and services the various systems and engine components of buses and transport vehicles.
- Test Drive Video
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
Curriculum Standard(s):
- Welder
- Yes
- 5,400
- 8,100
-
- Welder
- Yes
- 5,400
- 8,100
-
- Joins, cuts, or shapes metal using electric arc, oxyacetylene flame or other processes.
- Test Drive Video
- High Pressure Welding only is regulated by the Technical Safety Division
- Trade Reg Changes
- Trade Regulations
- Welder Practical Exam: More information...
Curriculum Standard(s):