Apprenticeship Act Review

Apprenticeship legislation in Nova Scotia is being reviewed to ensure that it is flexible and responsive to industry. The Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act and General Regulations were last revised in 1988.

"Every Nova Scotian pursuing trades certification needs to be able to do so within a framework that meets industry requirements," said Education Minister Jane Purves. "A skilled workforce will ensure that we can meet future economic challenges."

The Department of Education, through its Provincial Apprenticeship Board (PAB) and Apprenticeship Training Division, will hold consultations throughout the province to receive public and industry input for revisions to the act. A working group of 12 members representing apprenticeship trades will assist in the review.

Work begins in September, and the department expects to complete public consultations and focus group sessions by mid-December. A report on proposed revisions will be ready early in the new year.

The department expects to receive information which may lead to future changes in how apprenticeship training is delivered in Nova Scotia.

"As our economic conditions improve, and in full recognition of the aging trades population, we must be more aggressive in making sure we have the tradespeople to meet the challenge," said Peter Greer, chair of the Nova Scotia Provincial Apprenticeship Board. "An up-to-date legislative framework is the first step in achieving our goals."

Dr. Susan Clark, Senior Executive Director of the Department of Education's Higher Education and Adult Learning Branch, said the aim is to produce a revised act that reflects the realities of apprenticeship today and anticipates future challenges.

People looking for more information on the review process can contact the PAB office by calling 902-424-0872 or by sending a fax to 902-428-0605, or by e-mailing to <[email protected].> They can also access the Apprenticeship Training Division's Web site: http://apprenticeship.ednet.ns.ca. The board's mailing address is Department of Education, Provincial Apprenticeship Board, 2021 Brunswick St., P.O. Box 578, Halifax, B3J 2S9.