January 20, 2014 – Nova Scotians have a chance to weigh in on how to modernize apprenticeship to help keep skilled workers in the province. A discussion paper (download below) released today outlines how a new agency—led by industry and employers—plans to expand apprenticeship opportunities in the province.

The agency will encourage more employers to hire apprentices, ensure ratios match the needs of each trade, clarify out-of-province hours, and help more apprentices complete training to take advantage of the opportunities in skilled trades, says the province.

“We need Nova Scotians to help us build this agency,” said Kelly Regan, minister of labour and advanced education. “There are good jobs waiting to be filled across the province. We need to give our apprentices the experience they need to fill these jobs, which will help our communities and our economy grow.”

The province is looking for suggestions on the agency’s focus, especially within its first six months.

“The new agency provides opportunity for more involvement by industry,” said Carol MacCulloch, chair of the agency implementation team. “Working with the province, we will help to see the agency tackles some of the biggest challenges in apprenticeship completion and employer participation so more people are trained and our trades can continue to grow.”

Comments will be accepted until March 21.