Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship is a type of post-secondary education that combines on-the-job training and classroom/online instruction for those who want to enter the skilled trades. Unlike other post secondary options like university or college, apprentices work in their chosen trade from the start and earn a salary while doing so. This type of education also allows apprentices to minimize their student debt load and to learn directly from highly skilled journeypersons in their field.


 
Standards for Apprentices

Standards for Ironworker Apprentices

 
Structural Apprentices

Under current collective agreements in Nova Scotia Structural apprentices must:

  • complete 5400 hours of apprenticeship
  • complete 3 blocks of technical training
before challenging the interprovincial Red Seal exam.

Structural curriculum standards: Ironworker (Structural/Ornamental) 2017

 
Reinforcing Apprentices

Under current collective agreements in Nova Scotia Reinforcing apprentices must:

  • complete 3600 hours of apprenticeship
  • complete 2 blocks of technical training
before challenging the interprovincial Red Seal exam.

Reinforcing curriculum standards: Ironworker (Structural/Ornamental) 2017

 

For more information on the apprenticeship process in Nova Scotia, please contact our office or visit the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA) website at www.nsapprenticeship.ca

**There are circumstances when an individual may qualify to challenge the exam as a Trade Qualifier. For details on this provision, please see the NSAA website.