How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator (tractor-loader-backhoe) in Nova Scotia

• 8 steps without a listed fee

1. Get a job with a journeyperson

   You start working in the trade with a certified journeyperson and begin your apprenticeship right away, with no experience needed.

   Source

   “Start working with a certified journeyperson and begin your apprenticeship right away - no experience needed.”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/get-started/discover-trades/heavy-equipment-ope...
2. Complete the application package

   You and your employer complete, sign and submit an apprenticeship agreement application package to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.

   Source

   “Once a potential apprentice and an employer decide to enter into an apprenticeship agreement, an application package must be completed, signed and submitted to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/register-apprentice
3. Submit forms and documentation

   You submit the required forms along with proof of any previous trades training and previous work experience.

   Source

   “Proof of previous trades training (certificates/diplomas, transcripts) - Proof of previous work experience (employer letters should be signed and on company letterhead, and include dates of employment, number of hours of hands-on-work experience and a description of the job duties/tasks)”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/register-apprentice
4. Meet the Industry Training Consultant

   After submitting the complete application package, you contact the Industry Training Consultant for your trade and region to arrange a meeting with the Consultant, the employer and the apprentice.

   Source

   “After you've submitted the complete application package to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, please contact the Industry Training Consultant for your trade/region to arrange a meeting with the Consultant, the employer and the apprentice.”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/register-apprentice
5. Sign the apprenticeship agreement

   At the meeting the apprenticeship program is reviewed and the employer and apprentice sign the agreement form, which is returned to the Apprenticeship office for the Director or Designate's signature.

   Source

   “The Industry Training Consultant will then have the employer and apprentice sign the form, and will return the form to the Apprenticeship office for the Director/Designate's signature.”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/register-apprentice
6. Receive agreement and logbook

   The Agency signs the agreement, sends a signed copy to the apprentice and employer, and sends the apprentice a logbook and a Nova Scotia Apprentice ID Card.

   Source

   “An Agency Director/Designate will sign the agreement; - The Agency will forward a signed copy of the agreement to the apprentice and employer; and - The Agency will forward a logbook and a Nova Scotia Apprentice ID Card to the apprentice.”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/register-apprentice
7. Complete apprenticeship hours

   You complete the required apprenticeship hours, spending most of your time on the job and the rest in training.

   Source

   “Number of Levels: 2 Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 3,600”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/get-started/trades
8. Write the certification exam

   You write the certification exam available for this trade.

   Source

   “Certification Exam: Available”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/get-started/trades

Official page for this route

No separate route for this group.

Official page for this route

• 2 steps without a listed fee

1. Gain trade experience

   You have experience in the trade, whether gained in Canada or internationally.

   Source

   “If you already have experience – whether in Canada or internationally – you may be able to challenge the trade qualifier exam and become certified.”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/get-started/discover-trades/heavy-equipment-ope...
2. Challenge the trade qualifier exam

   You challenge the trade qualifier exam and, by passing it, become certified.

   Source

   “you may be able to challenge the trade qualifier exam and become certified”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/get-started/discover-trades/heavy-equipment-ope...

Official page for this route