News release

Employment Program Offers Support for Former ServiCom Employees

Labour and Advanced Education (Jan. 2011 - Aug. 2021)

NOTE: Details on information sessions to provide former ServiCom employees with tools, training and support follows this release.


Former ServiCom employees in Sydney can access a six-week training program to support their job search and build skills while they look for work.

The Employment Skills and Job Search Program, starting Monday, Dec. 17, will provide financial support to former employees while they attend training.

The program will include in-person, group-based learning sessions and self-directed work on the following topics:

  • job search/job finding/networking
  • job loss
  • safety/first aid/WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)
  • essential skills: computer and communication skills
  • skillsOnlineNS training modules
  • personal skills: stress, time management and conflict resolution

This is a targeted, short-term support given the unique circumstances of the Servicom closure. Affected employees did not receive advance notice or pay in lieu of notice of job loss and went without pay for almost four weeks.

A workforce transition team has also been created. The provincial and federal governments, together with community partners, will be offering information sessions to former employees to provide them with tools, training and support. Details on the sessions follow this release.

Former ServiCom employees can register for the Employment Skills and Job Search Program by attending one of the information sessions or by calling, emailing or visiting their closest Nova Scotia Works centre. For contact information, visit https://novascotia.ca/works/#works-cape-breton .

For additional resources and information, visit https://novascotia.ca/employment-support/ .

Former employees can also get details about the information sessions at http://www.facebook.com/events/2205251843023271/ .

Individuals can also apply to the Heating Assistance Rebate Program for up to $200 to help with the cost of home heating. To apply, visit https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-heating-assistance-rebate-heating-assistance-rebate-program.


Information session location and times: Ashby Legion Branch 138, 35 State St., Sydney

  • Thursday, Dec. 13, 9:30 a.m. – noon and 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  • Friday, Dec. 14, 9:30 a.m. - noon and 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Topics at the sessions include:
  • Department of Community Services will provide an overview of Income Assistance
  • Department of Labour and Advanced Education will provide an overview of employment supports
  • Service Nova Scotia will provide an overview of heating assistance programs
  • Service Canada will provide an overview of Employment Insurance
  • Nova Scotia Works will provide an overview of employment services to help Nova Scotians.