Better Employment Services for Job Seekers and Employers

Government met with 51 partners today, Nov. 23, to begin the overhaul of the employment services system that helps Nova Scotians find jobs.

"Government wants to better support people looking for jobs, youth making career decisions, and employers who need skilled workers," said Labour and Advanced Education Minister Kelly Regan. "We currently have a $23-million system that isn't meeting the needs of Nova Scotians as it should. Status quo isn't good enough. We need to make real changes to meet our workforce needs."

As part of the re-design, employment service organizations will work together to develop a new service delivery structure that will meet the needs of their individual communities. Changes will send more money to front-line services and client benefits, not administration and infrastructure.

It will also mean better career advice and information for young people and their parents, and improved support for employers who have jobs to fill.

"We need a system that better connects businesses with skilled workers," said Cape Breton Partnership CEO Keith MacDonald. "Right now, there is a disconnect. We have people without jobs, and jobs without people."

"In the current structure Nova Scotians, particularly those with specialized and diverse needs, have not had consistent access to the services they need,” said Ms. Regan. "The new system will be inclusive and integrated with services delivered by certified practitioners."

It will also feature a Centre for Employment Innovation and Excellence that will improve the connection between government and employment services organizations as well as provide leadership, best practices and research, and support in the delivery of quality employment services.

The system re-design is expected to be complete by July 1, 2016. More career information is available at http://careers.novascotia.ca/ .

Government has committed to better supporting the attraction and retention of young people in Nova Scotia. This includes the recently announced Experience Through Opportunity which provides young people with improved access to public service positions. For more information visit http://makeithere.novascotia.ca