Provincial Support Team To Help Bowater Workers

LABOUR/ADVANCED EDUCATION–Provincial Support Team To Help Bowater Workers

The province is making a team of career counsellors and job training specialists available to workers affected by the shutdown at the Bowater mill in Queens County.

The team is going to work with people on career options and services, skills assessments and training. Members of the Nova Scotia Community College are also prepared to assist.

"We want to help workers explore options and provide information that will help them make important decisions about the next phase of their careers," said Marilyn More, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education. "Our team will do everything it can to help."

The team includes members of Employment Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Adult Education, as well as municipal and federal staff and resources.

Support teams are located in two locations. South Shore Opportunities in Liverpool, 7 Henry Hensey Dr., 902-354-2616 and Employment Solutions Society in Bridgewater at 215 Dominion St., 902-543-2479. Additional information can be found at www.gov.ns.ca/employmentnovascotia .

"It is essential that programs are available to displaced workers in this area," said Don Downe, mayor, Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. "I am very pleased government is working with service providers that are already here in our community to help Bowater workers."

Support includes:

• making sure workers have accurate information about career options and services so they can make informed decisions about their next steps
• individual skill assessments
• essential skills development such as computer use, resume writing, literacy upgrading
• identification of self-employment options and support for business startups
• customized training options for people that move them directly into employment, through programs like One Journey or Link, that match people with specific skill sets to employers.