Direct Entry Pathway
Earn While You Learn. A Paid, Tuition-Fee Pathway Into the Skilled Trades.
The Direct Entry Apprenticeship Pathway offers a practical way for individuals to enter the skilled trades while earning a paycheque from day one. Designed to meet the workforce needs of Western Nova Scotia, this pathway connects motivated individuals directly with employers who are ready to train the next generation of skilled workers.
Supported through a provincial funding partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills & Immigration, the Direct Entry Apprenticeship Pathway removes financial and access barriers while maintaining the same high standards as traditional apprenticeship routes.
To learn more about the Awards & Financial Supports available to aspiring Apprentices, please visit the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency: APPRENTICE SUPPORTS | Nova Scotia Apprenticeship
Who The Pathway Is For?
ASPIRING APPRENTICES
This pathway is ideal for individuals whose highest level of education is high school and who are interested in building a long-term career in the skilled trades. No pre-apprenticeship program is required.our growing community.
EMPLOYER ELIGIBILITY
Participating employers are businesses operating in the skilled trades within Western Nova Scotia who have a journeyperson on site and are prepared to support on-the-job training while building future workforce capacity.
How the Direct Entry Apprenticeship Pathway Works
- Matching and Registration
Apprentices are matched with an employer and registered with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA). - Paid Employment Begins Immediately
Once registered, apprentices begin work right away as paid employees, learning directly on the job under the supervision of a journeyperson. - Structured Training and Progression
Apprentices complete required on-the-job hours, attend in-class training, and write exams at each level, progressing through the same certification structure as traditional apprenticeship programs. - Wage Growth and Incentives
As apprentices advance through each level, wages increase. Depending on the trade, additional incentives and bonuses may also be available.
Benefits for Apprentices
→ Earn a wage while learning a trade
→ No tuition costs for entry into apprenticeship via Direct Entry Pathway
→ Clear pathway to a recognized trade certification
→ Increasing wages with each completed level increases motivation to learn + earn
→ Opportunity to build a career close to home in Western Nova Scotia
Benefits for Employers
→ Access to motivated, entry-level talent
→ Opportunity to train workers to your standards
→ Support in building long-term workforce capacity
→ Potential eligibility for START funding for rural employers
→ Reduced recruitment challenges through direct matching
→ Stronger succession planning as experienced workers transfer knowledge
Building Trades Careers That Stay Local
The Direct Entry Apprenticeship Pathway supports both economic growth and community sustainability by helping people build good careers where they live. By investing in local apprentices, employers help ensure that skilled trades capacity remains strong across Western Nova Scotia.
