Province Launches Action Plan for Skills Nova Scotia

The province released its third annual action plan to meet Nova Scotia's labour market challenges, today, Dec. 21.

The Skills Nova Scotia Action Plan outlines activities the province is undertaking with partners in business, labour, education, training and communities to create a strong and vibrant economy and labour force.

Highlights of the action plan include access to high quality labour market information, improved labour market access and supports, the creation of a career development service for Nova Scotia and increased labour market supports to immigrants.

"Our partners are key to helping Nova Scotians get the education and training they need to be successful and meet the needs of the labour market today and in the future," said Education Minister Jamie Muir. "Skills Nova Scotia is an investment in our people and our province, a plan to build a strong workforce and bright future for Nova Scotia."

Provincially, nationally, and globally the labour force is aging and birth rates are decreasing. These realities are contributing to the labour market challenges of today and are predicted to create greater challenges for the future.

Skills Nova Scotia is a provincial initiative that responds to emerging needs by increasing the opportunities for Nova Scotians to acquire the skills, training, and education necessary to obtain successful employment.

In 2002, the province launched the Skills Nova Scotia Framework. It outlines three goals: meet the skill needs of Nova Scotia's labour market; provide better labour market access and supports to Nova Scotians; and strengthen Nova Scotia's system of lifelong learning opportunities.

The province also produces an annual progress report which details achievements on the strategies, initiatives and activities that are highlighted in the action plan.

Copies of the Skills Nova Scotia Action Plan 2004-05 and the 2003-04 Report on Progress are available on the website at http://skillsnovascotia.ednet.ns.ca or by calling 902-424-7764.