New Training Funding for African Nova Scotians

African Nova Scotians looking to return to school to get training for good jobs now have access to a new funding program.

The Skills Up program is open to African Nova Scotians who have been out of school for more than a year and are having trouble finding work because of missing skills.

"For many people, getting the right skills for a good job takes a considerable commitment in time and money," said Marilyn More, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education. "This new program will help cover many of the costs associated with going back to school and allow participants to get the training they need."

If eligible, funding will be provided to help cover tuition, living allowance, training costs, child care and travel.

"Skills Up will help open the door for many African Nova Scotians to tap into their potential and find satisfying careers," said Percy Paris, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs. "Not only will it help individuals and families, it will strengthen our communities and grow our economy, which is what jobsHere is all about."

Interested people can visit any provincial employment assistance service provider to learn how to apply.

"This is a program that is much needed in the province," said Randy Fells, executive director, Yarmouth and Shelburne Black Employment Resource Centers. "This is a positive step in helping people put a foot forward in the right direction on their career paths."

For more information on this program and others, visit www.gov.ns.ca/lae .

Skills Up is funded under the Canada-Nova Scotia Labour Market Agreement that will transfer an estimated $85 million to Nova Scotia between 2008 and 2014 to help low-skilled workers, people who are not for eligible Employment Insurance benefits and groups who are under-represented in the workplace.