Program Changes Support a More Diverse, Inclusive Workforce
Government is helping more Nova Scotians who are underrepresented in the workforce upgrade their skills and become job ready. The Skills Development Program is changing to provide quicker access to training for these unemployed Nova Scotians looking for a job.
“It is important that our workforce represents our province’s diverse population,” said Labour and Advanced Education Minister Labi Kousoulis. “We are taking action to help reduce barriers and connect more Nova Scotians to opportunities in our growing, innovative and inclusive economy. This is part of building the kind of province we all want to be part of.”
The program helps unemployed Nova Scotians who are having trouble getting a job and needing to develop new skills. Individuals work with a career practitioner on a career plan and receive funding for training through adult learning programs and post-secondary education.
Currently, Nova Scotians must have been working or looking for work for three years to be eligible for this support. Individuals who self-identify as one or more of the following groups are now eligible after just two years:
- Indigenous Peoples
- African Nova Scotians
- visible minorities
- persons with disabilities
- recent immigrants
“With the growing need for skilled labour in Nova Scotia, it is important to invest in Nova Scotians who are underrepresented and those furthest away from the labour market,” said Rebekah Skeete, director, YMCA Greater Halifax. “As a result of this pilot more underrepresented youth, single parents who had to take time off to raise their children and African Nova Scotian and First Nations communities may become eligible.”
For more information about the program and a full list of eligibility criteria, visit https://novascotia.ca/employmentnovascotia/programs/skills-development.asp .
To speak with a career practitioner, visit a Nova Scotia Works centre https://novascotia.ca/works/ .