Apprenticeship programs at the Department of National Defence
The Department of National Defence (DND) offers apprenticeship programs to teach aspiring trades people the required skills to develop a rewarding career in: welding, carpentry, painting, plumbing, electrical work, vehicle mechanics, Heating Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC), masonry and more!
Learn more about apprenticeships at DND:
- Fleet Maintenance Facility – Cape Scott, Halifax
- Fleet Maintenance Facility – Cape Breton, Esquimalt
- Student Apprenticeship Program
Apprenticeship at Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Scott, Halifax
The apprenticeship program at the Fleet Maintenance Facility in Cape Scott, Halifax (FMF CS) is designed to teach applicants the required skills to start a career in ship maintenance and repair. Apprentices and journeypersons at FMF CS maintain and repair naval systems from ship propulsion, to navigation, to armament.
The Apprenticeship Program at FMF CS is used to sustain the high standards of workmanship offered to the naval fleet. We hire apprentices in trades such as Naval Mechanical (Millwright) Technician, Marine Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic, Marine/Industrial Electrician, Electronics Technician, Machinist, Boiler and Plate Technician, Sheet Metal Technician, Welder and Marine Pipefitter/Coppersmith. Those who have already graduated, or are set to graduate from a trades-related program may also apply.
Most programs consist of a three-year apprenticeship, with the exception of the Electronics Technician trade which is a two-year program. At the end of their program, apprentices are required to pass an FMF CS Trades Test to become a SR Journeyperson.
FMF CS also supports the provincial apprenticeship program through wage top up while on block training and tuition reimbursement upon successful completion. Apprenticeship opportunities are posted on jobs-emplois.gc.ca site in January/February of each year. Applications for the apprenticeship positions are taken in late March. Normally apprentices will begin work with the Department in early August.
There are further training and development opportunities which prepare FMF CS tradespersons for other roles within the organization. For example, a tradesperson could advance to Planning & Estimating, Engineering Technology, or Supervisory and Management positions, where there is interest.
Apprenticeship at Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton, Esquimalt
Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton (FMF CB) has maintained an apprenticeship training program since 1927 to sustain high standards of workmanship among its trades people. The Apprenticing Program trains workers to a high level of certification. Upon successful completion, apprentices are entitled to the FMF CB Certificate of Apprenticeship, the Provincial Journeyperson's Certificate, and Inter-Provincial Certification (where applicable).
The prerequisite for all apprenticeships is grade 12 graduation or a PSC approved equivalent. Apprenticeships in electronics also require an electronic technician Pre-apprenticeship certificate; a diploma in a two-year electronic technology program is also acceptable. Pre-apprenticeship training in some trades is mandatory.
Apprenticeships are usually four years long, with the exception of Electronics Technician which is two and a half years. Hiring of any apprentices takes place throughout the year on an as needed basis.
We hire apprentices for the following trades:
- Electrician
- Electroplater
- Electronic Technician
- Shipwright / Joiner
- Lagger
- Machinist
- Millwright
- Painter
- Pipe Fitter
- Rigger / Sailmaker/Ironworker
- Refrigeration Mechanic
- Steel Fabricator/ Boilermaker
- Sailmaker
- Sheet Metal Fabricator Welder
To apply:
- Send Resume to ESQFMFCBEmployment@forces.gc.ca
- Include all certificates of education and high school graduation.
- Include a resume that details your training and experience.
- Must indicate trade(s) of interest.
Student Apprenticeship Program
The Department of National Defence also offers a joint apprenticeship program involving the Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton and the Public Service Commission's Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP). The program gives grade 11 and 12 students a chance to obtain valuable trades skills in ship maintenance and repair, as well as experience working for the Canadian Federal Public Service.
High School Students work for DND as apprentice trainees over the summer holidays to build a career in naval repair work. Apprentices are also paid a competitive wage while they learn about the trade.
The FSWEP program gives students an opportunity to build on knowledge from school using their natural mechanical aptitude. We want the experience to be both challenging and fulfilling for participants. Our goal is to lead students to a career with a future. If participants are successful within the program there is opportunity for them to be hired through a non advertised student bridging program, though this is not a guarantee. Further, all the hours Students Apprentices work while in the program will count toward their formal Apprenticeship, in that trade.
To apply for FSWEP, you must first ask you high school career counsellor for an application. FSWEP opportunities come available in the spring of each year with placement is in early summer. If your counsellor does not have the application please contact FMF CB Apprenticeship at esqfmfapprentices@forces.gc.ca