Nova Scotia has announced that it will remove fees for training apprentices in an effort to attract more young people into the trades by reducing the financial burden they face.
It’s welcome news to the industry. “We are pleased to see the province followed through on its promise during last spring’s election campaign to remove tuition from apprenticeship training,” remarked Warren Heeley, president of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI).
Most of the training will be offered through Nova Scotia Community College. However, training by the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry, the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association will also be covered.
Nova Scotia is now one of six provinces and territories that do not charge for in-class training for apprentices. Most provinces in Canada typically charge between $50 and $100 per week, reported HRAI. In addition to Nova Scotia, Quebec, Newfoundland, P.E.I., Nunavut and Yukon offer tuition-free courses.
“This is a step in the right direction in addressing the shortage of skilled workers in the trades. We hope more provinces follow this model,” added Heeley.