Funding Helps Nova Scotians Connect to Business and Community Leaders

Young people and new Nova Scotians in the Strait region now have more opportunities to build their professional networks and find a good job with the expansion of the Connector Program.

Premier Stephen McNeil announced an investment of $100,000 in the expansion today, Aug. 1. The program will be delivered by the province’s Eastern Strait Regional Enterprise Network.

“Creating opportunities for our youth and new Nova Scotians is an important part of building our economy,” said Premier McNeil. “Expanding this program gives more recent graduates and new residents another chance to succeed here by making meaningful connections with local mentors.”

The program connects local businesses, organizations and well established community volunteers to Nova Scotians who are interested in starting and growing their career in the province. It helps recent graduates, international students and young and new Nova Scotians grow their professional and community networks, find jobs and stay in communities across the province.

In Nova Scotia, the Connector Program is also available in the western region, the Annapolis Valley, Halifax and Cape Breton. More than 20 communities across the country offer similar programs.

Since 2009, The Greater Halifax Partnership Connector Program has helped more than 1,000 people secure jobs in the Halifax area.

“Having the Connector Program expanded into the Strait Region provides a solid resource for us to attract and retain the skills needed by the various sectors in our region,” says John Beaton, CEO, Eastern Strait Regional Enterprise Network. "The growth of our regional economy depends on re-population strategies that include the right kinds of skill sets and this program will be an important piece to us getting there".

For more information on the Connector Program, go to http://www.connectorprogram.ca .