Apprenticeship

New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) prides itself on the heritage of a strong partnership with Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification (AOC). Over many years, these two institutions have played a major role in supporting individuals in successfully developing skilled trades careers.  Tradespeople form a skilled workforce, which is fundamental in fueling economic growth.

What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is quality, affordable, post-secondary training that leads to certification as a journeyperson in a skilled occupation. As an apprentice, you will learn through a combination of classes and on-the-job training and experience where skilled trades professionals (Journeypersons) pass knowledge and skills on to apprentices.

There are many apprenticeable occupations in New Brunswick. Most apprenticeship programs take two to five years to complete, and they combine approximately 80 percent paid on-the-job training with 20 percent technical/in-school learning. Once successfully completed, you will receive a Diploma of Apprenticeship and a Certificate of Qualification or Red Seal designation if applicable. These qualifications can help you to have access to more job opportunities at better pay rates.

NBCC’s Current Offerings are as follows

NBCC’s Role in Apprenticeship

NBCC is a proud training provider for Apprenticeship and has a long partnership history with Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour; Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification (AOC). NBCC delivers apprenticeship training in 20 designated (8 compulsory) trades, providing New Brunswick with a number of highly skilled tradespeople annually.

Benefits of Apprenticeship

1. Earn while you learn!
   As an apprentice, you receive a salary from the employer who hires you. This salary normally increases as each stage of the program is successfully completed.
2. Lower debt
   Another big benefit of apprenticeship training is that debt loads after completion of apprenticeships are much lower since apprentices “earn while they learn”. If eligible, you may receive Employment Insurance (EI) benefits when you begin technical training and may also be eligible for financial assistance through the Training and Skills Development (TSD) program to cover costs associated with training, child care, living away from home, travel assistance, commuting allowance and disability allowance. In addition, there is a wide range of grants and incentives available to apprentices.
3. Gain work experience
   Skilled workers are in demand all across the country. New Brunswick offers hands-on training in 19 occupations. Apprentices receive post-secondary education through on-the-job training and in-school learning. This provides them with the skills to work almost anywhere in Canada.
4. Qualified Mentorship
   As an apprentice, you will have an opportunity to learn high-level skills through personal, on-the-job training from a highly qualified journeyperson.

How do I become an apprentice?

• Pre-Apprenticeship
  • High School Students are able to transfer their previous work experience, and courses if they register as pre-apprentices through:
    • Coop/Career Exploration;
    • Summer employment; and
    • NB Teen Apprenticeship Program
• Direct Entry
  • Obtain employment with a company and register as an apprentice. Work under a journeyperson and obtain your hours for training.
• Pre-Employment
  • Complete a pre-employment program with NBCC and write your block one exam.
• Trade Qualifications/Occupational Certification
  • With the right amount of required work hours, you can apply to challenge the certification exam.

Please visit the following websites to learn more about your opportunity to secure a promising future in the world of skilled trades.

• Red-Seal
• Apprenticeship and Trades
• Women in Trades
• Pathways to Certification
• Careers In Trades