Skills Up!

Skills Up

Skills Up! is an employment program of Employment Nova Scotia that provides financial assistance to eligible African Nova Scotians to help them obtain the skills training they need they need for employment. 

Program Information

Program objective

The Skills Up! (SU) program provides financial assistance to non-EI eligible Nova Scotians (who have not attached to the labour market) to obtain the skills training they need for employment.  Skills development training can range from basic literacy/numeracy to advanced skill development (may include part time training).  Eligible participants may acquire skills training prior to employment or while working.

Who delivers Skills Up! ?

Employment Nova Scotia offices around the province deliver Skills Up!, a program funded by the Canada-Nova Scotia Labour Market Agreement (LMA). If you are interested in this program, the first step is visit an Employment Assistance Service provider who will advise you on your options and help you with your application.

Eligibility Information

You may be eligible for the Skills Up! program if the following applies to your situation:

• You are African Nova Scotian

• You have been out of school for at least a year

• You are not receiving Employment Insurance, and

• You are having problems finding work because you are missing some skills.

Applicants can be unemployed, or can be employed but have less than a high school diploma, or be without the skills to find a good job.

Other criteria may apply.

What else do I need to know?

  • Training covered by this program includes courses that train you for a specific job, such as those offered by the community colleges, or general upgrading offered by the School of Adult Learning.
  • Clients are normally expected to make a financial contribution to their training.
  • Your application must be approved by Employment Nova Scotia before you begin your training.
  • Employment Nova Scotia's agreement with an individual can last anywhere from a couple of weeks to three years, depending on Employment Nova Scotia's local business plan and the participant's Return to Work Action Plan.
  • Guide to Skills Up! for Service Providers
  • Skills Up! fact sheet

Application Information

As part of the application process, it is necessary for you to receive an employment assessment and develop a Return to Work Action Plan with a case manager. The case manager's decision is required before Employment Nova Scotia can assess your application. Please refer to the list of Employment Assistance Service providers to find an organization that provides Case Management in your area. The Employment Assistance Service provider can guide you through your completion of the application for Skills Up!.

Forms

Contact Information