Service Canada - Nova Scotia - Apprenticeship Program

How to apply and Application Forms - What you need to know:

Apply for  Employment Insurance online as soon as you have stopped working. A. Reference Code us required for Apprenticeship applications and this code will be included in your apprenticeship training information from the Nova Scotia Department of Education.

Apply for Apprentice Financial Assistance as soon as the Nova Scotia Department of Education accepts you for apprenticeship training.

Employment Insurance Instructions for Apprentices

Employment Insurance Instructions

Am I eligible for Employment Insurance benefits?
If you are an apprentice taking technical training offered through the Apprenticeship Program, you may be eligible to receive Employment Insurance benefits.

How do I apply for Employment Insurance benefits?What do I do if I already have an existing Employment Insurance benefits claim?
You can apply for  Employment Insurance benefits online at:  www.servicecanada.gc.ca wherever you access the Internet. Your local Community College will also make computers available for you to use to apply during your breaks, and before and after classes. To ensure that your claim is processed without delay, you are encouraged to apply for Employment Insurance benefits within a week of or on your last day of work.

You can apply using an application designed for apprentices. You require a reference code to use the Apprentice application;   this code will be supplied by the apprenticeship branch of the Department of Education.   

Do I need to provide a Record of Employment (ROE)?
Your employer must provide you with a Record of Employment once you have finished working. You do not need your Record of Employment to apply for Employment Insurance, but we will need it to calculate your benefits. To ensure that your claim is processed without delay, promptly mail, fax or drop off your Record of Employment at the Service Canada Centre closest to your permanent place of residence.

Do I need to complete my bi-weekly claimant's report?
You have the option of not completing your bi-weekly claimant’s report while attending training through the Apprenticeship Program.

To be eligible for this option, you must sign the exemption from completing claimant’s reports form. Exemption forms are also available at your local Service Canada Centre.

To be exempt from completing claimant’s reports, you cannot be working or have a break during your training. If you do not choose this option, we will send you information by mail on how to complete your claimant’s report. If you need assistance in completing your claimant’s report, please call the Employment Insurance Telecentre during regular business hours (Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm) at 1-800-206-7218.

Will I have to serve a two-week waiting period?
If you are applying for Employment Insurance benefits for the first time as an apprentice, you will be required to serve a two-week waiting period. The two-week waiting period MAY be waived for subsequent Employment Insurance applications while in the same trade.

What do I do if I have questions about my Employment Insurance application? If you have questions about your Employment Insurance application, please call the Employment Insurance Telecentre during regular business hours (Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm) at 1-800-206-7218.