Free Training, Career Support for 350 Nova Scotia Youth
Youth are among the most impacted by the economic challenges presented by COVID-19 and need support to develop new skills that will help them get good jobs.
The province is investing $1.3 million over three years to support 350 Nova Scotian youth who are currently underrepresented in the workforce. The funding provides free training and other assistance to prepare them for jobs in the information technology sector.
“We know young Nova Scotians and youth across the country have been greatly affected by the economic challenges presented by COVID-19,” said Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education. “That’s why connecting youth to careers in our strategic growth sectors has become an even greater priority.”
Training will be delivered by NPower Canada, a registered charity that helps to reduce poverty in Canada by launching youth facing employment barriers into IT careers.
Up to 350 eligible youth will enroll in a free 15-week technical and professional skills training program. Participants will also receive mentoring and other supports including individual counselling. Graduates will receive industry-recognized credentials. NPower Canada will help them for at least five years with career supports including job placement, retention coaching, connections with industry mentors and professional development.
Fifty youth participants will be recruited this fall and will begin training in January 2021.
Quotes:
“We are thrilled to bring NPower Canada to Nova Scotia. Youth unemployment and underemployment continues to be a challenge across Canada, while the rapid growth of Nova Scotia’s technology sector offers new hope and opportunity. We look forward to working with the province of Nova Scotia, along with local and national partners, to equip underserved youth with the in-demand skills required by today's IT workforce – closing the tech skills gap and providing employers with the junior-level IT talent they need.”
– Julia Blackburn, CEO, NPower Canada
“As digital and machine technology advances, the next generation of Canadians will need to be more adaptive, creative and collaborative, adding and refining skills to keep pace with a world of work undergoing profound change. That’s what RBC Future Launch is all about, and through our support of NPower Canada, we hope to enable young people to identify, articulate and build their skills.”
– Mark Beckles, senior director, Youth & Innovation Strategy, RBC
“For Canadian youth exploring job opportunities amidst COVID-19, the expansion of NPower Canada is welcome news. Some of the fastest growing fields like technology need skills that don’t always require a traditional degree. They need people with the right mix of in-demand skills in high-growth areas like cyber security, artificial intelligence and web development. We are pleased to support the tech employment program with mentorship and in-class activities that will position Canadians for success and contribute to the world-class technology ecosystem in Nova Scotia.”
– Lynn Clark, IBM
Quick Facts:
- $1.3 million in provincial funding is provided through the Canada-Nova Scotia Labour Market Transfer Agreements
- the full cost of the NPower program is $2.7 million. Funding partners include the Government of Canada under the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, Google.org, the Future Skills Centre and RBC
- NPower was founded in the United States in 2000 and successfully supports youth in many states, including New York, Texas and California. NPower expanded to Canada in 2014 and is already operating in Alberta and Ontario
- youth from underrepresented communities and groups eligible for the program include African Nova Scotians, Indigenous people, newcomers and youth living with disabilities
Additional Resources:
Eligibility and application information: https://www.npowercanada.ca/junior-it-analyst-program/
More information about NPower Canada: https://www.npowercanada.ca