Provincial Skills Initiative Benefits 50,000 in First Year

EDUCATION--Provincial Skills Initiative Benefits 50,000 in First Year

A new report shows that more than 50,000 Nova Scotians have received training, upgraded skills and more job opportunities through a provincial skills initiative. The Skills Nova Scotia Annual Progress Report 2002-2003, was released today, July 14, by the Department of Education.

The report details dozens of activities and achievements involving tens of thousands of youth, tradespeople, professionals and adult learners across the province. Highlights include:

• 500 older workers are participating in programs to reintegrate themselves in the workforce through five Older Worker Pilot projects;
• increased access to improved training and youth apprenticeship has been made available through a new Apprenticeship Act and its associated regulations;
• 10,000 people are participating in Employment Support Services counselling and job development services;
• 4,000 adults are returning to upgrade their essential skills or obtain the Nova Scotia High School Graduation Diploma for Adults through the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning;
• 110 Workplace Education programs are being delivered to 1,200 people at 55 workplaces and adjustment centres across the province;
• a $123-million investment is being made in improved and expanded facilities at Nova Scotia Community College including room for 2,500 more students.

"Our many partners in business, labour, industry, education and training, communities and across government, have made an enormous contribution to the prosperity of our province through these various skills initiatives," said Education Minister Angus MacIsaac. "This progress report clearly shows that Skills Nova Scotia is helping people get the education and training they need, to be successful in their jobs, now and in the future."

The progress report highlights achievements made on the commitments in the Skills Nova Scotia 2002-2003 Action Plan, released in January 2003. The Skills Nova Scotia 2002-2003 Annual Progress Report is available on the Department of Education's Web site at www.ednet.ns.ca , or by calling 902-424-7764.

Skills Nova Scotia involves meeting the skill demands of Nova Scotia's labour market, providing better labour market access and support and strengthening Nova Scotia's system of lifelong learning opportunities.