Pre-apprenticeship programs

If you're looking to start a trade and begin your apprenticeship journey, our pre-apprenticeship programs are a great place to start. These programs offer foundational skills and transfer credits approved by the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA), helping you prepare for an apprenticeship.

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a hands-on training program that combines on-the-job experience with classroom learning to build specific skills in a trade. Apprentices work under the guidance of skilled professionals while completing coursework, gaining the expertise needed for certification in their field.

Upon completion, apprentices receive nationally recognized certification or licensing, opening doors to higher wages and more job opportunities.

Explore NSCC programs offering pathways to apprenticeships:

NSCC pre-apprenticeship programs	Corresponding NSAA apprenticeships
Auto Body and Collision Repair Certificate	Auto Body and Collision Technician
Automotive Service and Repair Certificate	Automotive Service Technician
Brick and Stone Masonry Certificate	Bricklayer
Building Systems Technician (HVAC&R) Diploma	Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
Cabinetmaking and Woodworking Techniques Certificate	Cabinetmaker
Carpentry Certificate Carpentry Diploma Carpentry Certificate – Accelerated	Carpenter
Culinary Skills Certificate Culinary Management Diploma	Cook Institutional Cook
Diesel Repair – Industrial and Marine	Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)
Electrical Construction and Industrial Certificate Electrical Technician Diploma	Construction Electrician Elevating Device Mechanic Industrial Electrician
Electrical – Industrial Maintenance and Controls Diploma	Construction Electrician Industrial Electrician
Electro Mechanical Technician Diploma	Construction Electrician Elevating Device Mechanic Industrial Electrician Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) Instrumentation and Control Technician
Gas Technician Certificate	Gasfitter B
Heavy Duty Equipment | Truck and Transport Repair Certificate Heavy Duty Equipment Repair Diploma	Agricultural Equipment Technician Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Transport Trailer Technician Truck and Transport Mechanic
Horticulture and Landscape Technology Diploma	Landscape Horticulturist
Instrumentation Technician Diploma	Instrumentation and Control Technician
Industrial Mechanical Certificate	Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) Elevating Device Mechanic
CNC Machining Diploma Precision Machining Certificate	Machinist
Metal Fabrication Diploma	Boilermaker Metal Fabricator (Fitter) Welder
Oil Heat Systems Technician - College Certificate	Oil Heat System Technician
Pipe Trades Diploma	Plumber Sprinkler Fitter Steamfitter - Pipefitter
Plumbing Certificate	Plumber Steamfitter - Pipefitter
Power and Utility Line Work Certificate	Powerline Technician
Power Engineering Technology Diploma	Power Engineer
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Certificate Refrigeration and Air Conditioning - Geothermal Certificate	Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
Sheet Metal Systems Certificate	Sheet Metal Worker
Truck and Transport Repair Diploma	Agricultural Equipment Technician Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Transport Trailer Technician Truck and Transport Mechanic
Welding Diploma	Boilermaker Metal Fabricator (Fitter) Welder