Alberta and Nova Scotia have signed an agreement in principle to ensure apprenticeship training is transferable between both provinces. It’s meant to improve the recognition of in-province training, allow for the recognition of apprenticeship work experience hours and enhance labour mobility for apprentices in both provinces.

Under the arrangement, if an apprentice takes pre-apprenticeship training at the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) and then moves to Alberta, his training will be recognized. This will save apprentices from writing additional exams or repeating courses.

The two provinces are also working on an agreement that would make the process of moving between Nova Scotia and Alberta easier and less expensive for apprentices to continue their education.

This co-operation between the two provinces will further support Nova Scotia’s efforts to modernize its apprenticeship system. On July 1, the Nova Scotia government transferred the apprenticeship training division of the Department of Labour and Advanced Education to a separate agency focused on getting more employers involved, improving the number of apprenticeship opportunities in the province and helping more apprentices complete their training.

The agency will work with industry to identify further opportunities for harmonization of apprenticeship training in the country.

Attorney Colin Singer Commentary:

This development should have favourable impact on foreign trades’ workers who intend to relocate to Canada under an immigration residence, or work in Canada project. 

Source: HR Reporter