Learn at Work Week Puts Spotlight on Lifelong Learning

Nova Scotians are encouraged to explore new lifelong learning opportunities at work and in their communities, during Learn at Work Week, which runs until Friday, Sept. 24.

"Ongoing education, in all its forms, is increasingly important in maintaining a strong, healthy and competitive workforce," said Labour and Workforce Development Minister Marilyn More. "Through lifelong learning, we are making life better for Nova Scotians in every region, working with our partners to provide programs and support for individuals as they continue their career path."

Lifelong learning takes on many forms in Nova Scotia, such as:

• On-the-job training for apprentices. There are 5,277 registered apprentices in 37 designated trades in Nova Scotia. For more information, visit www.nsapprenticeship.ca .

• Workplace education programs. Tailored to meet the essential needs of the workplace, these help improve productivity and build human resource capacity. Last year, 150 programs were delivered at 87 work sites across Nova Scotia. For more information, visit www.nsworkplaceeducation.ca .

• Improving literacy and essential skills. The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning provides tuition-free programs in English and French for adults who want to improve their literacy skills or earn a high school diploma. Programs are offered in 140 sites across the province in partnership with the Nova Scotia Community College, regional school boards, Université Sainte-Anne and community learning organizations. For more information, visit www.goNSSAL.ca .

• One Journey: Work and Learn programs. One Journey is an innovative partnership between government and industry. Participants develop the necessary job and life skills to fill jobs where labour shortages exist, such as health care, trucking, and tourism. In 2009, more than 85 individuals entered new careers and better lives through this program.

Funding for the One Journey program comes from the Strategic Training and Transition Fund, a two-year increase in federal funding to the Canada-Nova Scotia Labour Market Agreement.