Employers

Information and resources for companies looking to become employer partners for the New Brunswick Teen Apprenticeship Program (NBTAP).

Employer eligibility

To participate in the program, employers must:

  • provide a safe and supportive workplace that complies with all workplace safety standards
  • offer paid employment to the student throughout their placement
  • have at least one qualified Journeyperson available to supervise and mentor the student
  • be willing to provide or arrange any job-specific safety training required for the role (e.g., Fall Arrest, Confined Space)
  • carry appropriate workplace insurance coverage for the student employee

Benefits of being an NBTAP employer

With increasing demands in the skilled trades and technology area, employers are finding it increasingly difficult to access skilled personnel. The program presents a solution to workforce development needs. 

Partnering with the New Brunswick Teen Apprentice Program connects your organization with motivated high school students who are eager to explore careers in the skilled trades. Together, we help build the province’s future workforce.

By hiring students, at a competitive rate, employers can:

  • gain access to enthusiastic, motivated students interested in skilled trades careers
  • identify and assess potential future apprentices or employees early on
  • strengthen your succession planning and help close workforce gaps in the skilled trades
  • receive public recognition as a supporter of youth development and skilled trades education

Help high school students in New Brunswick to:

  • experience hands-on, paid work under the guidance of a qualified journeyperson
  • accumulate apprenticeable hours that count toward future certification
  • build technical skills, workplace readiness, and confidence in the field
  • gain high school credits and exposure to rewarding skilled trades careers

There is a need to invest in our youth and this program provides employers with a method of creating expertise and developing ready-to-work skilled apprentices upon high school graduation.

Roles and responsibilities

NBTAP employees

  • Facilitate the student application, interview, and placement process.
  • Provide basic safety training and required standard PPE items.
  • Support student readiness and ongoing site visits to ensure success and communication.
  • Work collaboratively with employers to share success stories and promote skilled trades.

Employers

  • Hire and pay the student for the summer placement.
  • Provide a Journeyperson mentor to guide and support the student’s on-the-job learning.
  • Ensure the workplace is safe, inclusive, and properly equipped with PPE not provided by NBTAP.
  • Arrange and cover any additional site- or job-specific safety training before the student begins work.
  • Participate in the student evaluation process to give meaningful feedback on growth and suitability for the trade.
  • Communicate promptly with NBTAP about any concerns or needs to ensure smooth coordination.

Ways to get involved

Employer partners play a vital role in supporting students as they explore and prepare for careers in the skilled trades. 

There are several ways your organization can get involved:

  • Host program placements: Provide paid summer work placements where students gain hands-on experience, earn apprenticeship hours, and develop valuable workplace skills under the guidance of a qualified Journeyperson.
  • Career pathway mentorships: Support students through Experiential Learning Mentorship Opportunities (formerly Co-op placements). These are typically unpaid, school-based experiences that help students explore trades in a supportive learning environment.
  • Contribute materials or PPE: Help students succeed by donating materials or safety gear (such as PPE) to support students or local school shops who have demonstrated exceptional growth and commitment.
  • Provide school presentations: Visit local schools to share your expertise, highlight career opportunities within your trade and inspire the next generation of skilled workers.
  • Host training sessions: Offer trade-specific training or demonstrations for students and educators to deepen understanding of workplace standards, techniques and safety practices.
  • Participate in career fairs or community events: Represent your organization at events or information booths, connecting directly with students, educators and families interested in skilled trades careers.
  • Host virtual hands-on lessons: Collaborate with the Centre of Excellence for Skilled Trades and Manufacturing to deliver virtual hands-on learning experiences for students (K–12). Feel free to share your ideas for lesson plans or demonstrations that bring your trade to life.

Your participation helps empower students, strengthens community partnerships, and builds a stronger, more skilled workforce across New Brunswick.

Fill out an application form.