Workplace Initiatives
Nova Scotia's economic stability is tied to our ability to compete and respond to changes in the global market. That ability requires a vibrant and adaptable workforce — a workforce strong in numbers and in skills.
The Workplace Initiatives Division is dedicated to building a vibrant and adaptable workforce in Nova Scotia by partnering with employers and industry to ensure Nova Scotia has the skills we need to succeed in the workplace.
The tools and programs featured on this site have been developed to support business such as yours to compete more effectively in today’s economy. Use the left navigation panel to find out more about the following programs:
The NS HR Toolkit: This toolkit provides free and easily accessible Information and tools to help small and medium-sized employers in Nova Scotia with their HR needs. Discover tips and ideas, downloadable templates, practical guides, links to other relevant resources, and more.
SkillsonlineNS: Businesses in Nova Scotia can access skills training for their employees managers and at NO COST. Hundreds of online courses are available ranging from software applications to customer service to HR fundamentals to accounting essentials. Private learning plans can be set up and courses assigned.
START:This Employment Nova Scotia Program offers financial incentives to encourage employers to hire Nova Scotians requiring work experience and to register and employ apprentices. Incentives vary depending on the type of employment offered and the skill level of the employee.
Workplace Education: the Workplace Education Initiative promotes learning at work and supports the development of workplace skills. Funding and supports are available to help you assess the learning needs of your business, recommend education programs and help you apply for funding.
Welcoming Workplaces: an online workbook for building and maintaining a work environment that is welcoming and inclusive and that allows employers to tap into the unique and beneficial blend of skills, abilities, and perspectives that diverse people bring to the workplace.
Productivity Investment Program - Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive (WIPSI): provides funding to companies to encourage them to invest in skills development and certification, adapt to new technology, improve productivity, and improve their international competitiveness.
The Job Bank: Canada's one-stop online jobsite where employers can post job openings and connect with job seekers free of any service charges.
Sector Council Program: provides funding to support an industry-led approach support Nova Scotia’s small- and medium-sized businesses to access expertise, resources and support in the area of human resources.
One Journey Work and Learn is a partnership between Labour and Advanced Education, industry and community to support skill development and employment opportunities to unemployed or underemployed Nova Scotians where there is an identified industry labour shortage.
The work of the dedicated team in the Workplace Initiatives division is guided by two strategies: jobsHere and the Nova Scotia’s Workforce Strategy.
jobsHere
jobsHere lays out a coherent, cohesive, and attainable strategy to build a strong, vibrant, globally competitive economy in Nova Scotia. jobsHere focuses on three priority areas and highlights actions the government will take to promote long-term sustainable economic growth and good job opportunities for Nova Scotians. Those priorities are:
- learning the right skills for good jobs
- growing the economy through innovation
- helping businesses be more competitive globally
Developing our workforce is necessary to equip men and women, young and not-so-young, working, looking for work, and preparing for work, with the right skills and tools to succeed and prosper — for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Nova Scotia's Workforce Strategy
Nova Scotia’s Workforce Strategy lays out how the province is to work with partners across the economic spectrum to:
- Encourage and support learning and skills development in workplaces throughout Nova Scotia.
- Improve, expand, and strengthen career development initiatives that make it easier for young people and those looking for work to find good jobs and build a career here in Nova Scotia.
- Enhance and increase opportunities for success in the workplace for all Nova Scotians.
The programs and initiatives on this site are Nova Scotia’s investment in your success. Please explore this site to find out how these programs can support your business to thrive and grow.
