How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator (dozer) in Nova Scotia

• 7 steps without a listed fee

1. Get a job with journeyperson

   Find employment working with a certified journeyperson in the trade so you can begin your apprenticeship right away, with no experience needed.

   Source

   “Start working with a certified journeyperson and begin your apprenticeship right away - no experience needed.”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/get-started/discover-trades/heavy-equipment-ope...
2. Enter apprenticeship agreement

   Once you and your employer decide to enter into an apprenticeship agreement, complete, sign and submit an application package to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.

   Source

   “Once a potential apprentice and an employer decide to enter into an apprenticeship agreement, an application package must be completed, signed and submitted to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/register-apprentice
3. Submit forms and documentation

   Submit the required forms and support documentation, including proof of previous trades training and proof of previous work experience.

   Source

   “Proof of previous trades training (certificates/diplomas, transcripts) - Proof of previous work experience (employer letters should be signed and on company letterhead, and include dates of employment, number of hours of hands-on-work experience and a description of the job duties/tasks)”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/register-apprentice
4. Arrange a meeting

   After submitting the complete application package, contact the Industry Training Consultant for your trade/region to arrange a meeting with the Consultant, the employer and the apprentice.

   Source

   “After you've submitted the complete application package to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, please contact the Industry Training Consultant for your trade/region to arrange a meeting with the Consultant, the employer and the apprentice.”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/register-apprentice
5. Sign the agreement

   At the meeting the Industry Training Consultant has the employer and apprentice sign the form and returns it to the Apprenticeship office for the Director/Designate's signature.

   Source

   “The Industry Training Consultant will then have the employer and apprentice sign the form, and will return the form to the Apprenticeship office for the Director/Designate's signature.”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/register-apprentice
6. Receive agreement and logbook

   The Agency signs the agreement, forwards a signed copy to the apprentice and employer, and sends the apprentice a logbook and a Nova Scotia Apprentice ID Card.

   Source

   “An Agency Director/Designate will sign the agreement; - The Agency will forward a signed copy of the agreement to the apprentice and employer; and - The Agency will forward a logbook and a Nova Scotia Apprentice ID Card to the apprentice.”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/register-apprentice
7. Complete apprenticeship and exam

   Complete the required apprenticeship hours and technical training and pass the certification exam to earn your Certificate of Apprenticeship and Certificate of Qualification.

   Source

   “These requirements usually include: working in the trade under the supervision of a journeyperson for a specified period of time as set out in the regulations for that trade; completing the skills, knowledge and competency requirements for the trade; successfully completing all of the the technical training requirements for that trade; and successfully passing the certification exam for that trade.”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/tradespersons/trade-certificates

Official page for this route

• 3 steps without a listed fee

1. Gain required work experience

   Accumulate the total hours of trade experience required to challenge the exam as a trade qualifier.

   Source

   “Total Hours Required to Challenge Exam as a Trade Qualifier: 5,400”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/get-started/trades
2. Challenge the trade qualifier exam

   Challenge the trade qualifier exam for the trade.

   Source

   “If you already have experience – whether in Canada or internationally – you may be able to challenge the trade qualifier exam and become certified.”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/get-started/discover-trades/heavy-equipment-ope...
3. Become certified

   After passing the trade qualifier exam you can become certified in the trade.

   Source

   “If you already have experience – whether in Canada or internationally – you may be able to challenge the trade qualifier exam and become certified.”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/get-started/discover-trades/heavy-equipment-ope...

Official page for this route