Pre-apprenticeship programs

Start your journey toward a rewarding career in the trades with our pre-apprenticeship programs. Designed to help you build foundational skills and gain transfer credits approved by the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA), these programs prepare you to begin an apprenticeship with confidence.

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship combines hands-on training with classroom learning to develop specific trade skills. As an apprentice, you'll work under the guidance of skilled professionals while completing coursework that equips you for certification in your field.

Upon completing an apprenticeship, you'll earn nationally recognized certification or licensing, opening doors to higher wages and greater job opportunities. Discover all NSAA trade apprenticeships to find the career path that fits your goals.

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
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
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