Halifax, Nova Scotia — Repair facility owners in Nova Scotia are able to bring in an extra set of hands to help out thanks to a recent amendment to the province’s apprenticeship regulations aimed at meeting demand for skilled trades.
Where previously apprenticeship training was intended to be a one-on-one experience between an apprentice and a journeyperson, the Nova Scotia government has amended the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act General Regulations to allow journeypeople to train up to two apprentices at a time.
Other amendments to the act include increased flexibility for virtual supervision of apprentices and exempting youth apprentices from being included in the apprenticeship supervision ratio, in order to remove barriers to youth apprenticeship.
The government says this decision follows consultations with the industry where it was determined that ratio requirements proved to be a barrier to growth and recruitment.
“Skilled trades are an essential part of a growing, vibrant economy,” said Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration Jill Balser.
“While the number of apprentices is growing, Nova Scotia is in need of even more workers to meet labour market demand and to support the needs of our growing population and economy.”
According to Prism Economics, over 11,000 skilled tradespeople will be needed in Nova Scotia by 2030.
