Pre-apprenticeship programs

We offer a variety of apprenticeship pathways called pre-apprenticeship programs. These programs:

Help you build foundational skills and confidence before entering the workforce as an apprentice
Allow you to earn credits that can be applied toward your apprenticeship

After you’ve completed your pre-apprenticeship program at NSCC, you’re ready for an apprenticeship.

Find an employer to mentor you.
Enter into an apprenticeship agreement with your employer through Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA).
Your NSAA-approved credits gained through your pre-apprenticeship program at NSCC are automatically transferred to your apprenticeship agreement.

Learn more about apprenticeship through NSAA.

Explore our pre-apprenticeship programs

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
Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate	Baker
Brick and Stone Masonry Certificate	Bricklayer
Building Systems Technician (HVAC&R) Diploma Building Systems Technician (HVAC&R) Diploma - Accelerated	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	Agricultural Equipment Technician Automotive Service Technician Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Industrial Mechanic Marine Service Technician Transport Trailer Technician Truck and Transport Mechanic
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
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
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
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
Steamfitting / Pipefitting Certificate	Steamfitter - Pipefitter
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