The revamping will include the hiring of two new staff members, and the rebranding under the Nova Scotia Works banner, according to Liz Cooke-Sumbu, executive director at the Cumberland African Nova Scotian Association (CANSA).
The launches are among many taking place across the province as part of the provincial government’s efforts to strengthen Nova Scotia’s workforce by providing better front line services and support for youth, job seekers and employers.
“We’ve been working hard to ensure all Nova Scotians looking for work have access to the employment services they need, no matter where they live,” said Labour and Advanced Education Minister Kelly Regan. “This new system will provide the support they need to find a good job, and it will help employers find skilled workers.”
Cooke-Sumbu said the effort to improve services across the province has been taking place over the past several years.
“The idea is to improve efficiency, and have no duplication by having three or four officers in the community doing the same work,” she explained. “It’s a one-stop shop.”
A new employment counselor is being hired at CANSA, while Barry Patriquin has had his role of working with employers expanded.
The services will be offered at CANSA’s newly renovated office space in Amherst at 63 Victoria Street, and at a new location in Springhill at 166 Junction Road. The Springhill location will be open two days per week – Wednesdays and Thursdays.
The redesign of the $23 million employment services system began in November, and the new system will include more front line staff, an increased focus on career counseling for youth, an expansion of services for people with barriers to employment, and support for career practitioner certification and professional development.
The launch will take place at the Amherst location on Sept. 16, followed by the Springhill location on Sept. 21. Cooke-Sumbu said they are hoping to have provincial government representatives on hand, and will invite the public to come and tour the sites.
Twitter: @ADNandrew
