Looking for a great career option? Like working with your hands and seeing the successful results of your work? Consider becoming an apprentice in a skilled trade. This video shares the benefits of doing so. Are you looking for work? Contact your Working NB office.
Are you working in the trade and want to learn more about becoming an apprentice?
Apprenticeship is quality, affordable, post-secondary training that leads to certification as a journeyperson in a skilled trades occupation. It is the only a career route where one can earn a wage while completing your post-secondary education.
If you are an experienced trades professional looking to become certified or have your work experience recognized towards apprenticeship and certification, read this section to learn more about the application and approval process.
Apprentices are paid a wage for their experience on the job and, if eligible, may receive Employment Insurance (EI) benefits when they begin apprenticeship technical training.
Employment insurance (EI)
Benefits information for workers, how to apply and how to submit a report.
Apprentices may also be eligible for financial assistance through the Training and Skills Development (TSD) program to cover costs associated with training, childcare, living away from home, travel assistance, commuting allowance and disability allowance.
Training and Skills Development (TSD)
Financial support for individuals with an employment action plan whose skill development is necessary and have access to funding to assist them in achieving their goal. In addition, a wide range of incentives are available to apprentices.
There are financial incentives available for people in the apprenticeship program.
Do you excel on the job but struggle in the classroom? If you are an apprentice and have access to the internet, the Government of New Brunswick’s Virtual Learning Strategy (“VLS”) program provides you with individualized support to help you during your technical training and during your exam. You will meet one-on-one virtually with a learning strategist who will help you overcome challenges and increase your confidence. A learning strategist will work with you to develop a targeted action plan designed to help you reach your goals. This action plan may include strengthening your math and reading skills, practicing study, memory, and test-taking strategies, or learning how to respond if tests make you anxious. It also can help to determine if you need supports in place during your exam. This program is 100% virtual so we flex to your schedule and work with apprentices across the country.
A Red Seal endorsement is a seal on your provincial or territorial trade certificate. It shows that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to practice your trade across Canada.
To get the Red Seal endorsement, you need to pass the Red Seal exam. Formally known as the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program, this program sets common standards to assess the skills of tradespeople across Canada.
New Brunswickers can register into the provincial apprenticeship program and work out-of-province for an out of province employer providing:
- The apprentice retains a permanent New Brunswick address.
- The apprentice is working with a journeyperson who is certified under the New Brunswick Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification Act.
- The provincial Apprenticeship Authority for the province where the apprentice will be working confirms the out-of-province employer is in good standing with the Apprenticeship Authority’s legislation.
The apprentice can accumulate working hours while out of province which will be credited towards the required hours for completion providing:
- The apprentice maintains an up-to-date New Brunswick progress record booklet/logbook, and
- The hours worked are supported by a Record of Employment and
- The apprentice is receiving ample coverage of the scope of the trade and
- The progress record book/logbook is up-to-date and shows progression through practical skills.
The apprentice can attend technical training (block/level release) in New Brunswick.
Labour mobility is essential for the Canadian workforce. For skilled tradespeople, the Red Seal is the recognized passport to mobility across the country. If you are an apprentice or a journeyperson and wish to relocate, contact an apprenticeship office in your region for further information.