Pre-apprenticeship programs

Our Institute of Skilled Trades (IST) offers apprenticeship pathways called pre-apprenticeship programs. These programs help you prepare for the workforce and earn credits that can fast-track your apprenticeship journey. Here's what that looks like:

A graphic depicting how NSCC pre-apprenticeship certificate programs help you enter your apprenticeship after level/block 1, and how NSCC pre-apprenticeship diploma programs help you enter your apprenticeship after level/block 2.

Once you’ve completed your pre-apprenticeship program at NSCC, you're ready to start your apprenticeship by taking the next steps:

Find an employer to mentor you.
Enter into an apprenticeship agreement with your employer through Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA).

The NSAA-approved credits you gain through your pre-apprenticeship program at NSCC are automatically transferred to your apprenticeship agreement.

Explore our pre-apprenticeship programs

Explore our pre-apprenticeship programs and their corresponding NSAA 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	Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
Cabinetmaking and Woodworking Techniques Certificate	Cabinetmaker
Carpentry Certificate Carpentry Diploma	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 Heavy Equipment Operator	Agricultural Equipment Technician Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Transport Trailer Technician Truck and Transport Mechanic Heavy Equipment Operator (Dozer) Heavy Equipment Operator (Excavator) Heavy Equipment Operator (Tractor-Loader Backhoe)
Instrumentation Technician Diploma	Instrumentation and Control Technician
Industrial Mechanical Certificate	Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) Elevating Device Mechanic
Landscape Technician	Landscape Horticulturist
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
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