Employers Asked to Get Involved in Education System

Karrie Scribner is doing her part to build the Nova Scotia Hospital's future workforce. She has been taking students for work placements for the last eight years.

The province is asking employers in Nova Scotia to follow Ms. Scribner's example and invest in youth -- and their business -- through the public school system.

"Having students involved is a win-win for our organization, the students, and the residents," said Ms. Scribner, community living co-ordinator and recreation therapist at the hospital. "For students, this experience helps clarify their future. In fact, we've had several high school students come back in university and then go on to careers in the health-care sector."

Through a new initiative called Invest in Youth, the Department of Education is encouraging employers across the province to work with schools to help young people connect with the workplace. There are many ways employers can get involved, from hosting a workplace tour to taking on a student for a work placement.

"Employers have told us that they are having difficulty finding skilled workers to accommodate growth and replace retirees," said Education Minister Karen Casey. "They've also told us that graduates need to be better prepared for the labour market. Connecting employers with youth while they are still in school will address both of these challenges."

As part of the project, the department is building a secure database of employer profiles. Select staff at the Department of Education, school boards and schools will have access to the database to help identify opportunities for students in a particular school board region.

"We want to simplify the process so that it's easy for schools, students and employers to get connected," said Ms. Casey. "The Invest in Youth initiative, and the database, will help us meet this goal."

Department of Education staff in each school board region are personally contacting and meeting with employers. To date, almost 500 employers have signed up for the database.

"Most employers have been enthusiastic about getting involved, especially when they realize there are many ways to participate with varying levels of commitment," said Jo-Ann Binns, employment engagement navigator for the Cape Breton Regional School Board area. "A company can provide a two-hour workplace tour, 100 hours in a work placement or even hire a youth apprentice."

Employer information sessions will be held across the province from Sept. 14 to 25. Any interested employer is invited to attend and can reserve a space for one of the following dates by e-mailing [email protected] :

• Thursday, Sept. 14, The Lord Nelson Hotel, 1515 South Park St., Halifax, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 14, Nova Scotia Community College, Akerley campus, 21 Woodlawn Rd., Dartmouth, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Friday, Sept. 15, Holiday Inn Select, 133 Kearney Lake Rd., Halifax, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Friday, Sept. 15, Wandlynn Inn Bridgewater, 50 North St., Bridgewater, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Monday, Sept. 18, Nova Scotia Community College, Shelburne campus, 1575 Lake Rd., Shelburne, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 19, Nova Scotia Community College, Burridge campus, 372 Pleasant St., Yarmouth, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 20, Nova Scotia Community College, Annapolis Valley campus, 50 Elliott Rd., Lawrencetown, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 20, Nova Scotia Community College, Kingstec campus, 236 Belcher St., Kentville, 2 p.m. 4 p.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 21, Nova Scotia Community College, Truro campus, 36 Arthur St., Truro, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 21, Nova Scotia Community College, Cumberland campus, 1 Main St., Springhill, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Friday, Sept. 22, Nova Scotia Community College, Pictou campus, 39 Acadia Ave., Stellarton, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Monday, Sept. 25, Nova Scotia Community College, Marconi campus, 1240 Grand Lake Rd., Sydney, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Monday, Sept. 25, Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, 606 Reeves St., Port Hawkesbury, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, see the website at www.investinyouth.ca .