Two Paths, One Connection: Direct Entry Pathways
A practical solution for skilled trades hiring: paid apprenticeships for learners and reduced risk for employers.
By Shelley Bellefontaine, Connector Program Coordinator
Editor’s Note: Hiring in the skilled trades is challenging. And for many individuals, traditional post-secondary pathways simply don’t fit.
The Direct Entry Pathway through the Western Regional Enterprise Network (Western REN) Connector Program offers a practical solution: paid, tuition-free apprenticeships that connect motivated, hands-on learners directly with employers — with START wage support to reduce hiring risk.
The following story is a fictional representation of a Direct Entry Apprentice and an Employer. While the individuals are fictional, their experiences reflect the real conversations, connections, and outcomes happening across Western Nova Scotia through this program.
The Apprentice
I’ll be honest – school was never my thing.
I tried. I really did. But sitting in a classroom, reading textbooks, and writing exams never made things click for me. I’m a hands-on learner. I need to do the work to understand it. By the time I finished high school, I knew I wanted a solid career, but I also knew I couldn’t afford tuition or years of theory before earning a paycheque.
That’s when I learned about the Direct Entry Pathway.
What caught my attention immediately was that it was tuition-free and paid. I could start working right away, learn on the job, and still be registered as an apprentice. No student debt. No waiting years to “maybe” land a job later. For someone like me, who learns best by doing, it felt like it was built for people who don’t fit the traditional academic mold.
The application process was straightforward. I filled out the Apprentice Intake Form and shared my interests, work ethic, and the kind of trade I wanted to pursue. Not long after, I heard from the Connector Program team. They didn’t just push me toward any job, but rather, they actually talked with me, asked questions, and wanted to understand how I learn and what kind of environment I’d succeed in.
That mattered.
When I was introduced to my employer, it didn’t feel like a cold interview. It felt like a conversation. He already understood that I was motivated, ready to work, and serious about learning a trade. That took a lot of pressure off and gave me confidence walking in the door on my first day.
Now, I’m earning a wage, building real skills, and learning directly from experienced tradespeople. Concepts that never made sense in a classroom finally click when I’m applying them on the job. For the first time, I can actually see a future career path! A good future is achievable, and it feels great!
Are you thinking about a paid, tuition-free career in the trades?
Register as an Apprentice here
The Employer
From my side of the table, hiring has always been the hardest part of running a business.
We need skilled people, but recruitment takes time, and taking a risk on the wrong hire can be costly, especially for a small business. I was interested in hiring an apprentice, but I was hesitant. Training takes time, and wages add up quickly.
That’s where the Direct Entry Pathway, facilitated by the Western Regional Enterprise Network Connector Program, changed everything.
The process was surprisingly easy. I registered as a Connector Employer, outlined the trade skills we needed, and defined the type of person who would succeed on our team. The I registered as a Connector Employer, outlined the trade skills we needed, and defined the type of person who would succeed on our team. The Connector Program screened candidates and brought us motivated, work-ready individuals who were genuinely interested in the trades.
That alone saved me hours.
What really sealed the deal was the START funding. The wage subsidy helped offset the cost of hiring and training an apprentice, which significantly reduced my risk as an employer. Instead of wondering whether I could afford to take someone on, I could focus on doing what I do best: training someone properly and passing on my skills.
The apprentice we hired showed up eager to learn, asked questions, and wanted to be here. That matters more than anything. We’re not just filling a position – we’re building future workforce capacity, training someone to our standards, and investing in the long-term strength of our business.
And I didn’t have to navigate any of this alone. The Connector Program team was there every step of the way with clarity and support, and very easy to work with.
Interested in hiring an apprentice and reducing your recruitment risk?
Register as a Connector Employer here
One Program. Two Needs. Real Results.
The Direct Entry Pathway works because it recognizes a simple truth: not everyone learns the same way, and not every employer can take on risk alone.
By connecting motivated individuals with employers who are ready to train, while removing financial barriers through tuition-free apprenticeships and START funding, the Connector Program creates outcomes that work for everyone.
If you’re an employer looking to grow your workforce, or someone ready to build a hands-on career in the trades, the connection might be closer than you think.
Learn More at https://westernren.ca/direct-entry/
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