Are You Missing Out on the $2,500 Journeyperson Incentive?
If you’re a certified journeyperson mentoring apprentices in Nova Scotia, you could be eligible for a $2,500 incentive, but many in the industry aren’t aware of this opportunity.
The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency’s Journeyperson Financial Incentive recognizes experienced tradespeople who play a vital role in training the next generation. This annual incentive supports mentorship and celebrates the contribution of skilled tradespeople who help apprentices complete their training levels.
Whether you’re an employer or journeyperson, here’s what you need to know to ensure your team doesn’t miss out on this financial recognition.
How It Works – Employer Responsibilities
The Journeyperson Financial Incentive Program is an annual program, and incentives will be paid once per year. For every apprentice in your workplace that progressed to the next level of their apprenticeship between August and July, employers can nominate up to five (5) journeypersons who helped train, mentor and support the progression of the apprentice.
Journeyperson Eligibility Criteria
To receive the incentive, nominees must:
- Be Red Seal certified or hold a Nova Scotia Certificate of Qualification
- Be actively involved in mentoring the apprentice
- Have completed approved mentorship training (Introduction to Mentorship)
- Work and live in Nova Scotia, and employed by the same business as the apprentice
Once nominated, journeypersons get free access to the 90-minute, self-directed mentorship course and have two weeks to complete it before the incentive is paid
Payment Structure
- Total incentive: $2,500 per apprentice level progression
- Split evenly among nominated journeypersons (e.g., 1 mentor = $2,500; 5 mentors = $500 each)
- Taxable income: Payments are issued by cheque and must be reported to CRA
- Multiple recognitions: Mentors can earn incentives for supporting multiple apprentices during the year
Why Participate?
- Employers: Strengthen onboarding, improve apprentice retention, and show support for your skilled team
- Journeypersons: Gain recognition, build coaching skills, and grow professionally
- Apprentices: Benefit from structured, high-quality mentorship and smoother training progression
What You Need to Do Right Now
| For Employers | For Journeypersons |
|---|---|
| Watch for the August nomination email from the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency | Confirm your mentorship role and eligibility |
| Select up to five mentors per progressing apprentice | Complete the Introduction to Mentorship course within 2 weeks of nomination |
| Submit full details (SIN, contact, certificate of qualification number, mailing address) | Ensure your mailing address is current for payment |
| Talk to your journeypersons about the training | Watch for SkillPlan email and access the course quickly |
Questions or Need Help
Contact the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency:
apprenticeship@novascotia.ca
Halifax: (902) 424‑5651 | Toll‑Free NS: 1‑800‑494‑5651