The apprenticeship and occupational certification program

Learn about apprenticeship training and the how to become certified.

How to get your New Brunswick Certificate of Qualification in a designated occupation

There are different steps you can take to become certified in New Brunswick including:

  • Apprenticeship — obtain employment and register as an apprentice, successfully complete all apprenticeship program requirements such as the on-the-job, technical training requirements and examinations to achieve a Diploma of Apprenticeship and Certificate of Qualification. 
  • Trade Qualification — work the required number of hours in a particular skilled trade, supply proof of those hours, scope coverage and challenge the Certification Exam. 
  • Equivalency Standards — supply proof of a certificate of qualification from a jurisdiction outside New Brunswick and application to challenge the certification examination or to recognize the certification based on equivalent standards.

New Brunswick’s Apprenticeship Program

As an apprentice, you receive a salary from your employer while receiving on-the-job training from a qualified journeyperson. This salary normally increases as each stage of the program is successfully completed.

There 44 occupations in New Brunswick in which apprenticeship programs are available, of which 12 are compulsory occupations Programs take two to four years to complete, and they combine about 80% paid on-the-job training with 20% technical or in-school learning. Skilled trades workers are in high demand both in the province and across the country.

Each party to the apprenticeship program has their role:

  • As an apprentice it is your responsibility to know what is involved in your occupation, to learn, to apply your skills and contribute effectively to your workplace’s productivity and meet your employer’s expectations. You must take control of your training, ask questions and seek answers.
  • As a supervising journeyperson you are responsible for providing appropriate supervision, mentorship, on-the-job training and honest feedback. It is up to you to break tasks down into manageable components and teach the apprentice to the best of your ability.
  • As an employer it is your responsibility to provide an opportunity for the apprentice to learn his or her occupation by offering a well-rounded, practical training experience in a safe learning environment and to encourage training at all levels.
  • It is the government’s responsibility, through Skilled Trades NB. to administer the act and regulations and board orders as well as monitor and support apprentices and employers throughout the duration of the apprenticeship program.

Credit for previous education and experience

Once you get a job and get registered as an apprentice, credit can be applied to the apprenticeship program for previous education and experience.

  • High school pre-apprenticeship programs – such as trade/shop classes, coop/career exploration programs, or through the New Brunswick Teen Apprenticeship Program.
  • Summer work experience – trade relevant paid work experience throughout your part-time or summer employment.
  • Pre-employment/college programs – trade relevant pre-employment (college) program.
  • Previous work experience – trade relevant work experience that can be validated.

Working in other provinces — New Brunswickers can register in New Brunswick’s apprenticeship program and work out-of-province for an out-of-province employer providing:

  • they retain a permanent New Brunswick address
  • they work with a journeyperson who is certified under the New Brunswick Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification Act.
  • the provincial Apprenticeship Authority for the province where the apprentice will be working confirms the out-of-province employer is in good standing with their legislation.

The apprentice can accumulate working hours while out of province which will be credited towards the required hours for completion they meet NB program requirements:

The apprentice can attend technical training (block/level release) in New Brunswick.

More information