How to Become a Welder in Nova Scotia

• 6 steps without a listed fee

1. Enter an apprenticeship agreement

   You and your employer decide to enter into an apprenticeship agreement and 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
2. Submit forms and documentation

   You submit the required forms along with proof of previous trades training and proof of previous work experience such as signed employer letters.

   Source

   “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
3. Arrange a meeting

   After submitting the complete application package, you contact the Industry Training Consultant for your trade and 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
4. Sign the agreement

   The Industry Training Consultant has the employer and apprentice sign the form, which is returned to the Apprenticeship office for the Director or 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
5. Receive agreement and ID card

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

   Source

   “The Agency will forward a logbook and a Nova Scotia Apprentice ID Card to the apprentice.”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/register-apprentice
6. Complete training and exams

   After completing the apprenticeship program including on-the-job hours, technical training and workplace practical skills, you write and pass the certification exam to receive a Certificate of Qualification.

   Source

   “Upon completion of the apprenticeship program (including on-the-job hours, technical training and competency in workplace practical skills), apprentices are eligible to write a certification exam.”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/apprentices/training-and-exams

Official page for this route

• 1 step without a listed fee

1. Carry your apprentice ID card

   If you are an out-of-province apprentice planning to work temporarily in Nova Scotia, you carry your apprentice ID card and do not have to register again in Nova Scotia.

   Source

   “If you are an Out-of-province/territory apprentice planning to work TEMPORARILY in Nova Scotia: Make sure you carry your apprentice ID card. You do NOT have to register again in Nova Scotia.”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/get-started/labour-mobility/apprentice-mobility

Official page for this route

• 3 steps without a listed fee

1. Apply as a trade qualifier

   You apply through the trade qualifier process to challenge the exam without registering as an apprentice.

   Source

   “Trade qualifiers must apply through the trade qualifier process and will be automatically scheduled for both the Welder Practical Exam prior to the date selected for the Red Seal Welder Written Exam.”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/apprentices/training-and-exams
2. Pass the practical exam

   You are automatically scheduled for the Welder Practical Exam before the date selected for the Red Seal Welder Written Exam and must successfully complete it.

   Source

   “Welder apprentices must successfully complete the Welder Practical Exam, and, finally, the Red Seal Welder Written Exam in order to achieve certification.”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/apprentices/training-and-exams
3. Pass the written exam

   After passing both the practical and written exams, you receive a Certificate of Qualification with the Red Seal endorsement.

   Source

   “Upon successful completion of both the practical and written exams, welders receive a Certificate of Qualification with the Red Seal endorsement.”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/apprentices/training-and-exams

Official page for this route