Gathering advice on how to improve apprenticeship system
Nova Scotia wants to hear from employers and industry on what they can do to ensure apprentices are ready for good jobs in Nova Scotia. An advisory panel will gather information about increasing the number of employers and graduates in the apprenticeship program
It is the final phase of the first review of the system in more than 10 years.
"With thousands of good jobs on the horizon, now is the time to really examine the current apprenticeship system to ensure apprentices are getting the best training possible," said Labour and Advanced Education Minister Marilyn More. "While the current system works well in many ways, we are listening to apprentices, employers and others about challenges and opportunities for improvement."
The panel will also examine issues raised through consultations, such as:
• how to get people ready for jobs more quickly with combined training
• offering more online options and training programs with other provinces
• raising awareness of career opportunities in the trades.
"Employers are the ones who provide workplace experience, so they play an enormous role in getting apprentices the skills they need for good jobs," said More. "Without employer support and participation, the system simply doesn't work. The panel will advise how to build better connections with employers, so our apprentices get the best training possible."
During the first meeting later this month, the panel will begin to seek practical short- and long-term solutions that build on what the province has heard from hundreds of apprentices, trainers and employers during the past year.
The apprenticeship review report will be ready in the spring. More information can be found at apprenticeship.
