The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency helps manage the trades training and certification system in Nova Scotia.
The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency operates and stewards a responsive and accessible trades training system for the province of Nova Scotia. It helps manage the trades training and certification system in Nova Scotia and operates under authority of the Apprenticeship & Trades Qualifications Act, the Operating Charter & General Regulations. The Agency is committed to creating a system where all are welcome, supported in their learning, experience respect and inclusion, and achieve certification in their trade.
The Agency is composed of an industry-led Apprenticeship Board, committees including Trade Advisory Committees, Agency staff, and the Chief Executive Officer. Agency staff are responsible for the daily operations of the Agency. The Agency's strategic plans include a 2020-25 Strategic Plan and a 2015-20 Strategic Plan.
As an apprentice, you receive a salary from the employer that hires you, and this salary increases as each stage of the program is successfully completed. Admission routes include employer-sponsored apprenticeship registration and credit for prior work experience and training. The Agency's Apprenticeship Award of Excellence recognizes industry employers, journeypersons, educators, instructors and mentors who believe in apprenticeship training.
The Agency eliminated the requirement for trades professionals in 13 compulsory trades and 2 non-compulsory trades to renew their Certificates of Qualification or identification cards every five years. Previously, Nova Scotia and Ontario were the only jurisdictions in Canada requiring trade certification renewals. Effective January 8, 2026, the Apprenticeship Management System (AMS) is used to interact with the Agency, manage apprenticeship activities, and make requests. The Agency also offers free online training called Foundations of Belonging in the Workplace.