Nova Scotia invests in training to prepare Mi’kmaq for jobs

Trade, industry-specific training to take place in 7 communities

Mi'kmaq in Nova Scotia will soon have access to skills and job-readiness training to prepare for jobs opening up across the province, said the provincial government.

The province is investing $640,000 over two years for the Unama'ki Economic Benefits Office in Membertou First Nation. The investment will fund programs that will help ensure people are ready to fill good jobs in industries seeking workers.

"One of the three pillars of the provinces jobsHere plan to grow the economy is training," said Premier Darrell Dexter. "This investment will help ensure there are opportunities for people to learn valued skills for good jobs. It will also help build a stronger, more diverse workforce because government knows that diversity strengthens workplaces and helps meet the demand for workers."

The funding will help provide trade and industry specific training for about 400 people and lead to employment for about 200 Mi'kmaq in seven First Nations communities: Membertou, Eskasoni, Wagmatcook, Waycobah, Chapel Island (Potlotek), Paq'tnkek and Pictou Landing.

The premier said programs available through the Unama'ki office aim to prepare Aboriginal people for jobs with its many industry partners and the major projects about to roll out in the region.

"Significant, long-term projects like the shipbuilding contract, the Lower Churchill project, the Donkin mine and development anticipated in the Port of Sydney are all projects that will create good jobs across the province," said Dexter. "(This) is an example of how the province’s workforce strategy uses innovative ways to help ensure all potential workers are equipped with the skills and training they need to prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow."

The province's workforce strategy helps Nova Scotians to acquire the right skills for good jobs. It also targets groups that are under-represented in the workforce: women, visible minorities, people with disabilities, older workers, low-skilled people and those who may face other barriers to finding work.

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