Open
Apprenticeship START
Supports Nova Scotia employers hiring and training apprentices
Last Update: March 6, 2026
Funding available
$ 25,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
The Apprenticeship START program provides up to $25,000 in funding to support Nova Scotia employers in registering and employing new or unemployed apprentices. This government initiative helps businesses facilitate practical training and progress apprentices toward certification.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Attract or retain talent
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 25,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
- Social economy enterprise
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 500 employees maximum
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Newcomers to Canada
- Other Racialized Persons
- Black Canadians
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Employing and registering new or unemployed apprentices in Nova Scotia within a structured apprenticeship program.
- Providing on-the-job training and relevant work experience to help apprentices progress toward certification.
- Supporting under-represented groups (in urban areas) by offering apprenticeship opportunities tailored to equity-deserving candidates.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Small or medium-sized businesses in Nova Scotia
- Not-for-profit organizations in Nova Scotia
- Social enterprises in Nova Scotia
Who is not eligible
- Employers operating in urban areas with populations over 20,000 (Halifax Regional Municipality, Truro, and Sydney) are not eligible unless they are registering equity-deserving apprentices from under-represented groups.
Eligible geographic areas
- Nova Scotia
- Urban areas exceeding 20,000 in population: Halifax Regional Municipality, Truro, and Sydney (with limitations on apprentice eligibility)
Additional information
- Employers do not need to submit a separate application; eligible funding is automatically disbursed.
- Employers in Nova Scotia may access blended funding from both the Apprenticeship START program and the Canadian Apprenticeship Services (CAS) incentive.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Apprenticeship START Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Apprenticeship START. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Apprenticeship START?
The Apprenticeship START program provides up to $25,000 in funding to support Nova Scotia employers in registering and employing new or unemployed apprentices. This government initiative helps businesses facilitate practical training and progress apprentices toward certification.
How much funding can be received?
Apprenticeship START Funds up to $25,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Apprenticeship START program?
To be eligible for the Apprenticeship START program, you must:
Nova Scotia business with fewer than 500 employees
Employs 15 or fewer apprentices
For urban areas (Halifax, Truro, Sydney), must register equity-deserving apprentices from under-represented groups
What expenses are eligible under Apprenticeship START?
Employing and registering new or unemployed apprentices in Nova Scotia within a structured apprenticeship program.
Providing on-the-job training and relevant work experience to help apprentices progress toward certification.
Supporting under-represented groups (in urban areas) by offering apprenticeship opportunities tailored to equity-deserving candidates.
Who can I contact for more information about the Apprenticeship START?
You can contact Government of Nova Scotia by email at apprenticeshipstart@novascotia.ca or by phone at 1-800-494-5651.
Where is the Apprenticeship START available?
The Apprenticeship START program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the Apprenticeship START a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Apprenticeship START is a Grant and Funding