Apprentices Fill Positions in the Skilled Trades
Blaine Dixon spent seven years punching a cash register in a Stewiacke drug store before deciding he would have a better future working in a skilled trade.
After four years of apprenticeship training, which combines classroom education with on-the-job training, Mr. Dixon has recently become a journeyperson in the industrial mechanic (millwright) trade. He trained and is now working at National Gypsum (Canada) Ltd. in Milford.
Mr. Dixon and 53 other apprentices from Cumberland, Colchester, Hants, Halifax, Lunenburg and Queen's counties received their certificates of qualification at an apprenticeship celebration event at Pier 21 in Halifax today, Nov. 26.
"Completing my apprenticeship has shown me that you don't need a university degree to get a good career," said Mr. Dixon. "Apprenticeship is a low-cost way to obtain certification in a trade. Not only do you get paid to learn, but you come out with a great deal of experience and you can work anywhere. I would definitely recommend it as a career-training option."
The newly-certified journeypeople work in designated trades including automotive service technician, carpenter, construction electrician, industrial mechanic, truck and transport mechanic, and welder. A journeyperson is someone who has completed their apprenticeship training and received their certification in a designated trade.
The Department of Education presents the certificates at an event twice a year to recognize apprentices from across the province.
"Apprenticeship is the first step toward a well-paying job in the designated trades," said Education Minister Jamie Muir. "More and more, Nova Scotians are realizing that the trades offer great training and employment opportunities. These opportunities are expanding every year, and the skilled trades are becoming more popular."
During the event, the Department of Education also presented awards of excellence to recognize an outstanding mentor and apprentice.
The mentor/coach award of excellence was presented to Gerard Bennett, an industrial mechanic (millwright) at National Gypsum (Canada) Ltd. The award recognizes an employer, supervisor, instructor or other mentor who has served as a positive role model in the trade, and demonstrated qualities of superior teaching, enthusiasm for the trade and a genuine interest in the progress of apprentices in their program.
"It's encouraging to see more and more people pursuing their apprenticeship training in the skilled trades," said Mr. Bennett. "The opportunity to train future employees through the apprenticeship system is vital to our business, and the apprentice benefits from learning on-the-job and potentially being hired full-time once they receive their certification."
The apprentice award of excellence was presented to Darrell Dacey, an oil burner mechanic with Oulton Fuels Ltd in Windsor. This award recognizes a newly certified journeyperson who has made outstanding contributions toward forwarding the professional image of the employer, supporting others in the workplace, demonstrating a strong work ethic and being an active member of their community.
The Department of Education's apprenticeship training and skill development division supports the advancement of skilled trades through training opportunities, certification and reinforcement of professional standards. The department recently launched its Workit youth apprenticeship initiative to encourage young Nova Scotians to begin their apprenticeship training early. There are currently about 4,500 active apprentices working at 3,100 businesses in Nova Scotia.