Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive

The Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive supports workforce development, innovation and productivity in Nova Scotia.

The Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive (WIPSI) provides funding to businesses, industry associations and sector councils to enhance workforce skills and improve innovation and productivity. Projects that address critical skill shortages, support underrepresented groups and align with the province's economic and workforce development goals are given priority.

Funding amount

The Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive may fund up to 75% of eligible training costs. The applicant needs to fund the remaining balance of the costs.

Eligible costs

Eligible costs include:

  • training fees
  • instructor costs
  • course materials
  • travel

Reporting requirements

If you receive funding from the Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive, you need to submit financial and progress reporting throughout the project.

Help with your proposal

The Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive Program can answer questions about the application process, program eligibility and eligible training costs.

Eligibility

You can apply for funding if:

  • you're a legally registered business, industry association, sector council or non-profit operating in Nova Scotia
  • have a direct workforce development need (like upskilling employees, adopting new technologies or addressing critical skills gaps within their industry)
  • demonstrate financial and administrative capacity to successfully deliver the proposed initiative, including project coordination, participant tracking and reporting on outcomes
  • operate within or support sectors that align with Nova Scotia's economic and workforce development priorities, contributing to industry growth and innovation

Eligible training activities include:

  • innovative skills training
    • digital transformation and technology adoption
    • process improvements and operational efficiency
    • sustainability and green workforce skills

  • sector-specific training
    • industry certification and regulatory compliance
    • workforce readiness and skills adaptation
    • customized training for high-demand occupations

  • capacity building
    • talent pipeline development and workforce planning
    • employee upskilling and cross-training

  • equity and Inclusion
    • training that improves workforce diversity and accessibility
    • programs that support underrepresented groups, including Indigenous, Black and African Nova Scotians, newcomers, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ and youth

The program is open for applications 2 times per year. For the current application intake period, you can apply from 12 May to 6 June 2025.

How to Apply

  1. Review the Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive Program Guide (PDF).
  2. Check the guide for details on all required supporting documents.
  3. Complete the project proposal form.
  4. Send your completed project proposal and supporting documents by mail or email.
  5. The program assesses your proposal and supporting documents, and lets you know if your project will receive funding.
  6. If the program approves your proposal, you need to submit an application through the Labour Market Programs Support System.

Before you start

Make sure you:

Project proposal form

Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive Project Proposal Template (PDF)

Contact

Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration
Workplace Initiatives Division
1505 Barrington Street, 4th floor
PO Box 697
Halifax Nova Scotia B3J 2T8

Manager, Workplace Education and Training
Phone: 902-221-0442

WIPSI Program Coordinator
Phone: 902-719-5096

WIPSI Program Officer
Phone: 902-456-7614

wipsi@novascotia.ca

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