Input Sought to Update Apprenticeship Legislation
The province is asking for public input into how its apprenticeship legislation should change to reflect current labour-market conditions.
Apprenticeship in Nova Scotia: A Discussion Paper was released today, March 13, by the Provincial Apprenticeship Board in preparation for a series of public consultations throughout the province in April.
"Strong economic growth, industrial development, and an aging workforce have created a significant challenge in filling skills gaps in technical trades," said Peter Greer, chair of the Provincial Apprenticeship Board. "We need to hear from apprentices and employers, unions and other partners in order to bring the legislation up-to-date."
Responses will be used to propose legislative amendments to the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act and General Regulations in the fall session of the legislature.
Carol MacCulloch, president of the Construction Association of Nova Scotia, said the labour market has changed significantly since the apprenticeship legislation was updated 13 years ago.
"Apprenticeship helps build a skilled labour force which enables the province to attract the investment it needs for economic growth and job creation," she said. "An updated apprenticeship system will ensure Nova Scotians will continue to have access to quality training that will help them be productive members of the workforce."
A working group of representatives from the private and public sectors developed the discussion paper. Ms. MacCulloch and James Henley of the Mainland Nova Scotia Building Trades Council will co-chair the April public consultation sessions.
Topics for discussion included in the paper include: industry involvement in apprenticeship training; role, function and make- up of the Provincial Apprenticeship Board; role and function of the Apprenticeship Training Division; regulatory framework; role of youth in apprenticeship; funding; training options; and the roles of employers and apprentices in training.
Apprenticeship is a method of learning in which practicing experts, or journeypersons, pass on knowledge and skills to learners (apprentices) in a workplace setting. Employers cover most of the training costs and have the benefit of productive employees in the workplace. Apprentices benefit from learning and earning wages at the same time.
There are about 4,500 apprentices actively participating in the apprenticeship program in Nova Scotia and apprenticeship technical training is available in 25 trades.
The Provincial Apprenticeship Board invites public responses to the discussion paper and comments on the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act and General Regulations. The discussion paper and questionnaire for online response are available at http://apprenticeboard.ednet.ns.ca .
Individuals and organizations that wish to present their views are invited to attend a public meeting in their area. Participants are asked to pre-register seven working days before the meeting by calling 902-424-5651 in Halifax, toll free at 1- 800-494-5651, or by e-mail to [email protected] .
Public consultations will be held between April 9 and April 25. Each meeting will take place from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m at the following Nova Scotia Community College locations:
April 9 -- Marconi Campus, 1240 Grand Lake Rd., Sydney April 10 -- Strait Area Campus, 226 Reeves St., Port Hawkesbury April 11 -- Pictou Campus, 39 Acadia Ave., Stellarton April 16 -- Institute of Technology Campus, 5685 Leeds St., Halifax April 18 -- Cumberland Campus, 1 Main St., Springhill April 23 -- Annapolis Valley Campus, 295 Commercial St., Middleton April 24 -- Burridge Campus, 372 Pleasant St., Yarmouth April 25 -- Lunenburg Campus, 75 High St., Bridgewater
Written submissions may be presented at a public meeting or by any of the following options:
- mail to:
Provincial Apprenticeship Board
Act Review Process
2021 Brunswick St.
PO Box 578, Halifax, N.S.
B3J 2S9 - fax to 902-428-0605
- e-mail to [email protected]
All submissions must be received by April 30 and become property of the government upon receipt.
Copies of the discussion paper, the act and regulations and other related documents are available by contacting the board at 902- 424-0872 or by visiting http://apprenticeboard.ednet.ns.ca .