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Source verified August 10, 2026
Apprenticeship START
Support for hiring and retaining apprentices in Nova Scotia
Latest source updateLast Update: May 12, 2026Latest change: Apprenticeship START now shows full program guidance, including expanded eligibility, funding amounts, application steps, and updated contact details.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: May 12, 2026
Latest change: Apprenticeship START now shows full program guidance, including expanded eligibility, funding amounts, application steps, and updated contact details.
Apprenticeship START program details updated
Apprenticeship START has been updated from a contact-focused page to a full program guide with eligibility rules, funding amounts, employer responsibilities, and application instructions. The new content also adds program timing and contact details, including the requirement to complete an Apprenticeship Agreement rather than submit a separate funding application.
Funding available
$ 30,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
The Apprenticeship START program provides up to $30,000 in funding to help employers in Nova Scotia register and support apprentices through to certification. It supports apprenticeship agreements and on-the-job training for new, unemployed, and equity-deserving apprentices.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Attract or retain talent
- Obtain certifications or accreditations
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 30,000 $
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Truro
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- For-profit business
- Social economy enterprise
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 499 employees maximum
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Newcomers to Canada
- Other Racialized Persons
- Black Canadians
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- People with disabilities
- Women & girls
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Register and employ apprentices in Nova Scotia
- Support apprentices as they progress through their apprenticeship program
- Register and employ equity-deserving apprentices
- Transition a youth apprentice, recent high school graduate, or recent graduate of a recognized pre-apprenticeship program from part-time to full-time employment
Documents Needed
- Apprenticeship Agreement
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Small or medium-sized enterprises
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Social enterprises
Who is not eligible
- Employers operating in Halifax Regional Municipality, the town of Truro, and the town of Sydney, unless they are registering an equity-deserving apprentice
- Owners or co-owners of the company cannot register themselves as an apprentice to receive the START funding
Eligible geographic areas
- Nova Scotia
- rural Nova Scotia
How to apply
- Complete an Apprenticeship Agreement with your apprentice and the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.
- Employers do not need to formally apply for funding.
Processing and Agreement
- An Industry Training Consultant will review your application and determine eligibility.
- Once an apprenticeship agreement is signed, it will be assessed and, if eligible, funding will be dispersed to the employer.
- Employers must notify an Industry Training Consultant in writing within 15 days if the apprentice ceases to be employed or if they are unable to provide practical experience or technical training.
Additional information
- Employers in Nova Scotia are eligible for blended funding through the Apprenticeship START program and the Canadian Apprenticeship Services (CAS) incentive.
Contacts
Availability timeline
2026
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Apprenticeship START Program
What is the Apprenticeship START?
The Apprenticeship START program provides up to $30,000 in funding to help employers in Nova Scotia register and support apprentices through to certification. It supports apprenticeship agreements and on-the-job training for new, unemployed, and equity-deserving apprentices.
How much funding can be received?
Apprenticeship START Funds up to $30,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Apprenticeship START program?
To be eligible for the Apprenticeship START program, you must:
Small or medium-sized enterprise, not-for-profit organization, or social enterprise
499 employees or fewer and 15 active apprentices or fewer
Physical location in Nova Scotia and good standing with the Nova Scotia Registry of Joint Stocks
What expenses are eligible under Apprenticeship START?
Register and employ apprentices in Nova Scotia
Support apprentices as they progress through their apprenticeship program
Register and employ equity-deserving apprentices
Transition a youth apprentice, recent high school graduate, or recent graduate of a recognized pre-apprenticeship program from part-time to full-time employment
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.