News release

Energy Training Program Helping Young Nova Scotians Start Careers

Energy and Mines (July 2018 - Aug. 2021)

Having opportunities to start your career at home is important for helping young people stay in Nova Scotia. That is why government is supporting students and recent graduates who want a career in the province’s energy sector.

The Energy Training Program connects young people to jobs through specialized training and work experience and it is now accepting applications for 2020.

In 2019, more than 60 per cent of employers retained their employee after their work term ended.

“It is great to see local companies recognizing the potential of our graduates and young people making the most of the opportunity to build their careers in Nova Scotia’s energy sector,” said Energy and Mines Minister Derek Mombourquette. “We have set some of the most ambitious clean energy targets in the country, and we need the ideas and enthusiasm of a young workforce to grow our green economy and create jobs across the province.”

Under the program, small and medium-sized companies in the energy sector can apply for wage support to hire post-secondary students and recent graduates.

Quotes:

"Nova Scotia's Energy Training Program has been crucial to helping us hire and train students to work at our company. Since the program supports on-the-job training, it's allowed us the confidence to identify and invest in students who we feel would make a good long-term fit at ThermalWise. We currently employ four graduates who were initially hired with the help of the program."

– Jordan MacDonald, president, ThermalWise

“My experience at Skylit has allowed me to improve my skills and gain the hours needed for my apprenticeship as I move closer to becoming a journeyman electrician. I'm grateful for the opportunity I was given through this program and at Skylit.”

– Jessica King, apprentice, Skylit

Quick Facts:

  • since 2002, the Energy Training Program has funded about 450 placements at more than 100 companies
  • the program gives employers 50 per cent of a student's salary, up to $7.50 per hour for up to 17 weeks
  • the application deadline is Jan. 10, 2020 Additional Resources: Energy Training Program: http://novascotia.ca/energytraining