Province rebrands apprenticeship, occupational certification branch

New Brunswick has rebranded its apprenticeship and occupational certification branch to promote skilled trades and apprenticeship in the province.

Skilled Trades NB will continue to support development of a diverse skilled trades workforce by delivering an inclusive apprenticeship training program. Training consists of industry mentorship and hands-on experience, along with classroom learning. Graduates of these two-, three- and four-year programs are issued a diploma of apprenticeship and, in most cases, a nationally recognized Red Seal certification.

Skilled Trades NB also provides guidance and support to apprentices as they navigate the certification process.

“Promoting career paths in skilled trades is critical for the future of our province,” said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Greg Turner. “We are excited to launch Skilled Trades NB, which will help bring recognition to apprenticeship as a viable and desirable educational pathway and promote it as a leading post-secondary program across the province.”

In March, Saskatchewan announced it is investing an additional $1 million to increase the capacity for the development of skilled trades in the province.

With the launch of Skilled Trades NB, New Brunswick is hoping to build on the recent growth of the program. Since 2019-20, there has been a 20% increase in registered apprentices, a 77% increase in the number of women apprentices and a 68% increase in the number of Indigenous apprentices, according to the provincial government.

Ontario also previously increased apprenticeship registrations by 24% between 2022 and 2023 – from 21,971 to 27,319.

New Brunswick’s three-year Residential Construction and Manufacturing Action Plan targets to boost participation in the skilled trades and promote and support apprenticeship. This is especially important as, based on labour force projections, about 10,000 workers in the construction sector alone will be needed over the next 10 years, representing about 30% of current employment in that sector.

“Today’s apprentices are tomorrow’s industry leaders,” said Turner. “Careers in the skilled trades are incredibly rewarding and offer a sense of pride, knowing you are building this province from the ground up. We also believe that Skilled Trades NB will help create a greater sense of pride, identity and accomplishment for those who are associated with it.”

The apprenticeship and occupational certification branch was established in 1942 to support the skilled trades in the province.

Why is apprenticeship training important?

For workers, here are the benefits of going through apprenticeship training, according to Indeed:

• It provides hands-on training.
• It increases job prospects.
• It increases earning potential.
• It provides an alternative to earning a university degree.
• It provides targeted support.
• It leads to career advancement.
• It gives a competitive advantage.
• It creates a strong professional network.
• It helps you learn the industry's best practices.
• It provides flexibility.

Meanwhile, for employers, providing apprenticeship opportunities increases retention and job satisfaction among workers.

“Companies that offer apprenticeship programs are investing in the people they train. You may be more likely to stay with a company that invests in your career development and professional growth, as it can often lead to career advancement,” said Indeed.

Ottawa previously launched its Upgrade Your Skills advertising campaign, which informs Canadian youth and adults about government financial supports and programs available to them to help Canadians gain the skills needed to succeed in today’s labour market.