Part of jobsHere strategy to help workers build new skills, adapt to new technologies
Looking to improve literacy and essential skills in Nova Scotia, the Ministry of Labour and Workforce Development has tabled an Adult Learning Act.
All learning programs, except adult learning, are covered by legislation in Nova Scotia and this new act will formalize the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning into law, providing governing and accountability measures that ensure the continued quality and effectiveness of adult learning.
"Ensuring people have the skills and learning for good jobs is a key part of the jobsHere strategy and this legislation supports that," said Marilyn More, Minister of Labour and Workforce Development. “It will help reinforce a culture of lifelong learning in this province."
JobsHere is a new workforce strategy that launched Nov. 23 to help workers in the province build new skills, adapt to new technologies, maximize their career opportunities and learn about their employment options.
The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning, an initiative of the Department of Labour and Workforce Development, co-ordinates all adult learning programs, policies and services in the province. It also administers the General Educational Development tests (GED), an international high school equivalency testing program for adults.
In 2010-11, the government has allocated $9.8 million for adult learning programs, with more than 140 programs at 68 sites across the province. Programs are tuition-free, in English and French, and offered in partnership with the Nova Scotia Community College, regional school boards, Université Sainte-Anne and community learning organizations. Last year, more than 4,500 people enrolled in the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning.
The Nova Scotia government released a discussion paper in September to gain input from Nova Scotians and adult learning partners in developing this legislation. A summary of the responses can be found at www.gov.ns.ca/lwd.
