Experiential learning opportunity

New Brunswick Teen Apprenticeship Program (NBTAP) – Employer/Partner Information

 All of NB

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Areas of interest: Career Connected Learning, Manufacturing, Skilled Trades

Employer/Partner Information

What is NBTAP?

The New Brunswick Teen Apprentice Program (NBTAP) gives Anglophone High School students in New Brunswick the chance to explore the skilled trades through paid summer work experiences. With the ability to apply for High School Graduation Credits. All while accumulating apprenticeship hours and building towards their future careers.

Vision

Pre-apprenticeship, powered by industry partners, bridges high school students into skilled trades careers.

Mission

Collaborate with industry and educators to develop pre-apprenticeship pathways that prepare high school students for skilled trades careers

Program Overview

Students work alongside skilled trade professionals, building hands-on skills, earning apprenticeable hours toward future certification, and gaining valuable insight into what a career in the trades is really like. These experiences help students “test drive” a career, discover their strengths, and make informed choices about their post-secondary and career paths.

For employers, NBTAP is a way to connect early with motivated young talent, provide mentorship, and help strengthen the pipeline of skilled workers in New Brunswick. By bringing students, schools, and industry together, NBTAP is opening doors to meaningful careers and ensuring a strong future for the skilled trades across the province.

NBTAP Employer Eligibility

To participate in NBTAP, employers must:

Provide a safe and supportive workplace that complies with all workplace safety standards.
Offer paid employment to the student throughout their placement.
Have at least one qualified Journeyperson available to supervise and mentor the student.
Be willing to provide or arrange any job-specific safety training required for the role (e.g., Fall Arrest, Confined Space).
Carry appropriate workplace insurance coverage for the student employee.

Open Vs. Closed Competitions

Choosing the right competition type helps employers connect with the right students and streamline their recruitment process. NBTAP makes it easy to post positions in a way that fits your hiring needs.

When posting NBTAP opportunities, employers can choose:

Open Competitions: Open to all eligible students across the province to gauge interest and conduct competitive interviews.

Closed Competitions: Typically used for returning students or name hires—students the employer already knows or has selected.

Selecting the right competition type ensures you attract the right candidates while supporting the development of local skilled trades talent.

Benefits of NBTAP

With increasing demands in the skilled trades and technology area, employers are finding it increasingly difficult to access skilled personnel. NBTAP presents a solution to workforce development needs.

Partnering with the New Brunswick Teen Apprentice Program (NBTAP) connects your organization with motivated high school students who are eager to explore careers in the skilled trades. Together, we help build the province’s future workforce.

By hiring students, at a competitive rate, employers can:

Gain access to enthusiastic, motivated students interested in skilled trades careers.
Identify and assess potential future apprentices or employees early on.
Strengthen your succession planning and help close workforce gaps in the skilled trades.
Receive public recognition as a supporter of youth development and skilled trades education.

Help High School Students in New Brunswick to:

Experience hands-on, paid work under the guidance of a qualified Journeyperson.
Accumulate apprenticeable hours that count toward future certification.
Build technical skills, workplace readiness, and confidence in the field.
Gain high school credits and exposure to rewarding skilled trades careers.

There is a need to invest in our youth and this program provides employers with a method of creating expertise and developing ready-to-work skilled apprentices upon high school graduation.

Role and Responsibilities

EECD/NBTAP:

Facilitate the student application, interview, and placement process.
Provide basic safety training and required standard PPE items.
Support student readiness and ongoing site visits to ensure success and communication.
Work collaboratively with employers to share success stories and promote skilled trades.

Employer/Partner:

Hire and pay the student for the summer placement.
Provide a Journeyperson mentor to guide and support the student’s on-the-job learning.
Ensure the workplace is safe, inclusive, and properly equipped with PPE not provided by NBTAP.
Arrange and cover any additional site- or job-specific safety training before the student begins work.
Participate in the student evaluation process to give meaningful feedback on growth and suitability for the trade.
Communicate promptly with NBTAP about any concerns or needs to ensure smooth coordination.

Safety First

Safety is a shared responsibility between NBTAP, employers, and students. Before beginning a placement, students complete required safety training — including Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS) and Safety Orientation — as part of their NBTAP onboarding process.

Employer Expectations:

Provide a safe workplace that meets all applicable safety standards and regulations.
Supply necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety glasses, and vests.
Ensure students receive site-specific safety training and any additional certifications required for their role (e.g., Fall Arrest, Confined Space).
Confirm that all required safety training is completed before students begin work.

Student Responsibilities:

Bring their own CSA-approved steel-toe boots to the placement.
Follow all workplace safety rules and procedures as outlined by the employer.

To support both employers and students, EECD Summer Supervisors conduct site visits throughout the summer to ensure placements remain safe, supportive, and productive.

Site Visits

During the summer, NBTAP staff conduct site visits to connect with employers and students at their work placements. These visits are designed to ensure that the placement is running smoothly, that students are receiving appropriate guidance, and that employers feel supported throughout the process.

During a site visit, NBTAP staff will:

Meet with the employer and student to discuss progress, answer questions, and offer support.
Confirm that the student is receiving proper training, mentorship, and supervision.
Ensure that NBTAP materials and PPE have been delivered and are being used appropriately.
Address any concerns from the employer or student to help maintain a safe and productive workplace.
Highlight and celebrate the success of both the employer and student for their contribution to the skilled trades community.

These visits are an important way to maintain strong communication between NBTAP, employers, and students — ensuring every placement is a positive and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

Is NBTAP a Recognized Program?

NBTAP is a joint initiative between the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD) and Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour (PETL) New Brunswick.

Mentorship Matters

Mentoring isn’t just valuable for students — it benefits your workplace too.

By mentoring an NBTAP student, you:

Pass on critical trade knowledge and skills to the next generation of workers.
Help create a safe, productive, and supportive learning environment.
Foster a sense of engagement and responsibility among your team as they guide future tradespeople.
Build a talent pipeline for your organization by training potential future employees.
Contribute to the growth of the skilled trades sector in your community.

Mentoring shows students the pride and professionalism of your trade while shaping the workforce of tomorrow!

Ways to get Involved

Employer partners play a vital role in supporting students as they explore and prepare for careers in the skilled trades.

There are several ways your organization can get involved:

Host NBTAP Placements: Provide paid summer work placements where students gain hands-on experience, earn apprenticeship hours, and develop valuable workplace skills under the guidance of a qualified Journeyperson.

Career Pathway Mentorships: Support students through Experiential Learning Mentorship Opportunities (formerly Co-op placements). These are typically unpaid, school-based experiences that help students explore trades in a supportive learning environment.

Contribute Materials or PPE: Help students succeed by donating materials or safety gear (such as PPE) to support NBTAP students, local school shops, or individual students who have demonstrated exceptional growth and commitment.

Provide School Presentations: Visit local schools to share your expertise, highlight career opportunities within your trade, and inspire the next generation of skilled workers.

Host Training Sessions: Offer trade-specific training or demonstrations for students and educators to deepen understanding of workplace standards, techniques, and safety practices.

Participate in Career Fairs or Community Events: Represent your organization at events or information booths, connecting directly with students, educators, and families interested in skilled trades careers.

Host Virtual Hands-On Lessons: Collaborate with the Centre of Excellence for Skilled Trades and Manufacturing to deliver virtual hands-on learning experiences for students (K–12). Feel free to share your ideas for lesson plans or demonstrations that bring your trade to life!

Your participation helps empower students, strengthens community partnerships, and builds a stronger, more skilled workforce across New Brunswick.