The province is investing $1.3 million to bring NPower Canada’s innovative tech employment program to Halifax.
The investment spans three years to support underrepresented Nova Scotian youth in the workforce, with the funds aimed at training and providing assistance to prepare eligible youth for jobs in the information technology sector.
Nova Scotia’s Minister of Labour and Advanced Education made the announcement on Nov. 6 at the IBM Client Innovation Centre in Bedford. Lena Metlege Diab said the investment will support 350 youth over 3 years.
“This is an employer-driven program,” said Diab. “The reason why this is happening is because the employers of this province said we need this and they are in it. We, as a province, are so happy to be able to invest in it and partner with our businesses.”
NPower Canada, a registered charity that reduces poverty by addressing youth unemployment, will assist graduates for at least five years with career supports.
Participants will also receive mentoring and can enroll in a free 15-week skills training program, receiving industry-recognized credentials.
“Part of that program also includes what you might expect in the way of career coaching for tech fields, job searching, as well as, really it’s an instructor-supported technical program,” said Diana Parks, NPower’s regional director.
Underrepresented youth eligible for the program include African Nova Scotians, Indigenous youth, newcomers and those living with disabilities.
50 participants will begin training in January.
