Where to look for support

Where to look for support

These are some of the resources that offer employment support for job hunters in Nova Scotia. Some of them specialize in helping newcomers.

Work in Nova Scotia (WINS Program

MISA
The Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association (MISA) is a community-based organization that welcomes newcomers and recognizes their essential role in Canada. Staff and volunteers at MISA work together to offer programs and services to help newcomers to participate fully in Canadian life. These services include delivering Canadian Language Benchmark Assessments and employment services to help newcomers overcome the barriers that may be keeping them from finding work in Nova Scotia.

MISA
Suite 201 – 7105 Chebucto Place
Halifax, NS
902-423-3607
info@misa.ns.ca
www.misa.ns.ca

HILC
The Halifax Immigrant Learning Centre (HILC) supports the language learning goals of newcomers. HILC provides quality and effective learning opportunities to promote the active participation of newcomers in the community. HILC offers a range of labour market language and employment-focused language orientation programs to help newcomers prepare for and be successful in the work place.

HILC
Suite 201 – 7105 Chebucto Place
Halifax, NS
902-443-2937
info@hilc.ns.ca
www.hilc.ns.ca

Work in Nova Scotia (WINS) is a bridging program provided by both MISA and HILC.  You can customize the WINS program to your own needs to help you reach your employment goals. Through the WINS program, you will meet an employment specialist who will help you establish goals and develop action plans to meet them. For a full list of the services available through the WINS program, turn to the Resource Section of this guide. You can also find out more about the WINS program by contacting either MISA or HILC.

Career Resource Centres
There is a network of Career Resource Centres across Nova Scotia that can help you with your job search. Call your Service Canada office for information about Career Resource Centres. You will find the phone number for Service Canada in the blue pages of the phone book or at www.servicecanada.gc.ca.

Student Career Centres

If you are a student at a post-secondary institution, the student career or employment centre at your school can help with career planning and job-searching skills.

Language Support
For a list of English as a second language (ESL) schools and other supporting programs, see the Resources Section of this website.

For more information on all of these resources, go to www.WorkinginNovaScotia.ca/Getting_Ready

Are you ready to begin working?

Most immigrants to Nova Scotia say their two biggest challenges are learning the language and finding work. As an immigrant, you will have to prove to an employer that you are ready to work in Nova Scotia. Being ready to work can mean many things. You will need enough English to work in your field, an understanding of Canadian workplace culture, and, in certain professions, you will need a particular license or certification. Use this checklist to find out if you are ready to work (click on the picture to download a PDF):

Do you know how to look for work in Nova Scotia?

Before you start looking for work in Nova Scotia, you will need the right tools, such as a résumé and cover letter. You will also need some job-search skills, such as networking and interviewing. You can find out more about these tools and how to look for work by going to the How to look for work in Nova Scotia page of this website.  How to look for work in Nova Scotia

Do you have the English skills to work in your occupation?

This section covers:
• Assessing your language skills
• How you can improve your language skills

Canada has two offcial languages: English and French. It is a great asset to be able to speak both. In Nova Scotia, you need to be able to speak, read and write English very well in all skilled occupations. If you only have basic English skills, you may need to improve them before an employer will hire you. In Nova Scotia, government-funded adult English as a second language (ESL) schools use the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for teaching and testing language. The CLB is used in adult ESL schools all across Canada. It gives information about 12 levels of English listening, speaking, reading and writing. CLB 1 students have little or no English. CLB 12 students are like native speakers of English. Students at CLB 9 or above usually have enough English for university, college or professional communication.

You can see for yourself what your CLB level might be. Go to http://www.language.ca/ and follow the instructions. This will only give you an idea of your CLB level.  To get an accurate assessment of your language skills, you should take a Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLBA). You will need to make an appointment to take this assessment. It will take between two to three hours to complete it and you will need to bring your landing paper, Minister’s Permit or ‘letter of intent’ from Citizenship and Immigration Canada. If you live in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), contact MISA for more information. If you live outside Halifax, contact Metro-Region Immigrant Language Services (see Resource Section). 

Click here to download a PDF of online language tests

How do you get your qualifications recognized?

This section covers:
• What is a regulated occupation?
• What occupations are regulated in Nova Scotia?
• How you can become certified to work in a regulated occupation

What is a regulated occupation?

A regulated occupation is one that is controlled by provincial and sometimes federal law. A professional organization or regulatory body sets standards for the people who work in that occupation. This is done to protect the public. You will need to meet specific requirements in order to work in these occupations. When you have met the requirements, you will be given a license or certificate. It is illegal to work in a regulated occupation or use its title if you are not recognized by that occupation’s regulatory body.

In some fields you may be able to start working in a related job before you are fully licensed. For example, an engineer may obtain a position as a technician while completing the requirements for the full license as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.)

What occupations are regulated in Nova Scotia?

Here are some key occupations and their regulatory bodies:
Designated Trades in Nova Scotia
Regulated Professions in Nova Scotia

 
How you can become certified to work in a regulated occupation

To become certified (or licensed) to work in a regulated occupation, you must have the credentials, the skills and knowledge, and the experience. The process to become certified differs from one occupation to another. Usually, theprocess starts with an assessment of your credentials. Credentials are proof of your achievements, such as your education. They are usually in the form of a document or paper.

Credentials from one country may not be considered equal to credentials from another. Even if your occupation is not regulated, it may be helpful to have your credentials assessed so Canadian employers will understand what your credentials mean in Canada. A credentials assessment will provide you with a Canadian equivalency statement. You may need to upgrade your skills to meet Canadian or Nova Scotian standards for your occupation.

The professional association or regulatory body that sets the standards for your occupation may perform these assessments or refer you to an international credentials assessment service.

For links to other assessment services please go to www.WorkinginNovaScotia.ca/Getting_Ready.

Assessing your competencies

Sometimes a credentials assessment is all that is required to get your license. However, for many it is just the first step to getting your qualifications recognized. Most regulated occupations also require an assessment of your competencies – that means your skills and knowledge.
A competencies assessment may take many forms, such as:
• written examinations
• oral or practical examination
• worksite assessments of your technical skills
• requests for a demonstration of your skills
• language tests
• interviews
For information and assistance about getting your credentials and competencies
assessed, contact an employment specialist at the WINS program. You can also contact
your local career or employment centre.

If possible, try to start the process of getting your international qualifications recognized before you come to Canada. It is easier for you to get the documentation you will need before you leave your country.

Click here for to download a PDF with information on:

• How to get your qualifications recognized if your occupation is not regulated
• How to upgrade your qualifications
• How to continue your education

Have you identified all your skills that could help you get work?

• What are transferable skills? Why are they important?
• What transferable skills do you have?
• The value of your previous skills and experience

What are transferable skills? Why are they important?

Transferable skills are skills acquired at one job that can be used in another. For example, a job in your past may have required you to use a specific computer program. That means you can use your knowledge of this program in another work setting in a different country. That knowledge is a transferable skill.

You have learned many transferable skills in all the jobs, classes, projects, hobbies, and sports you have participated in during your life. You also developed many transferable skills by becoming an immigrant to Nova Scotia. You may not even realize how many of these skills you have!

The following table list of skills tha employers value. How many of then do you have? Check each skill that applies to you.

The value of your previous skills and experience

You used many skills to become an immigrant to Canada. Employers will be impressed with these skills.  For example, if English is not your native language, that means you learned a new language. It also means that you speak at least one other language from your first country – a country that your employer may be interested in developing as a new market. Your communication skills and knowledge of work and the business culture could be a big advantage to your new employer.

Applying for immigration and organizing your life in a new country was a huge project. You have proven that you can set a goal and follow the steps to reach it. Be sure to tell employers you have these skills.

Click on this image to download a PDF of the transferable skills checklist

Setting and achieving goals

This section covers:
• What is an action plan?
• Developing your action plan

What is an action plan?

Your challenge now is to identify your long-term and short-term goals and to make an action plan. An action plan lists the steps you will take to achieve those goals. It is very important that you have long-term and short-term goals. In many cases, newcomers need to take several steps before reaching their final goal of being fully qualified and working in their chosen profession. For example, if you are an internationally-educated engineer, you may face a lengthy process to become licensed. However, while you are working on getting your license, you could work in a related field, such as an auto CAD draftsperson or technician. This would provide experience in the engineering field while you work towards recognition as a professional engineer.

Developing your action plan

An action plan is a process of listing what actions you have to take to realize your employment goal. For example, suppose you have a long-term employment goal of becoming a licensed physician in Nova Scotia.

Together with your employment specialist, you will create an action plan to become licensed. The steps of that action plan may look like this:
• Long-term goal: Become fully licensed as a physician and begin to practice in my profession.
• Mid-term steps: Prepare for and write qualifying exams. Apply for clinical skills assessment program. Send credentials for assessment.
• Short-term steps: Take a job in a related field that will provide an income and experience in the Canadian healthcare system while I work toward becoming licensed. Participate in language and orientation programs.
• Immediate steps: Apply to have your credentials assessed. Identify related positions that match my interests and prepare a résumé for each.

Each of the steps can be further broken down into something called a “To Do” list.
For example, we will look at a “To Do” list for the immediate steps.
• Immediate steps: Apply to have credentials assess and identify related positions that match my interests (contact: Physician Credentials Registry of Canada at www.pcrc.org)
• Immediate “To Do”: – Get the names and numbers of the people I need to contact about the jobs available in related positions.
– Make calls and schedule appointments.
– Write a résumé and cover letter for each position.
– Send a thank-you note after each interview.

The key to a successful action plan is to decide how long you want to take to achieve each goal, and then act on it in that time.

Do you need help creating your personal career action plan? An employment specialist with WINS or the staff at a career or employment centre can help you. Visitwww.WorkinginNovaScotia.ca/Getting_Ready for for a list of contacts and links to sites on career-planning and employability skills.

Choosing the work you would like to do

Choosing what kind of work you would like to do

There are a variety of sources to help you identify and research potential employers for your specific occupation in Nova Scotia.

For example, you can go to www.nscareeroptions.ca website to find opportunities in your profession. This is an example of how to search on that website:

Suppose you want to locate opportunities for pharmacists:

1. Go to the occupation profile for Pharmacist
2. On the right-hand side of the page, you will find a list of “Jobs in this Occupation.”
3. Click on one of these titles. You will see a new page from the www.labourmarketinformation.ca site with a list of potential employers for the Halifax region.
4. If you want to check for employers in another region of Nova Scotia, click “Potential Employers” in the lefthand column and select another region.

It is important for you to note that the employers you will find on this site are potential employers only. It does not mean that they have a job opening right now. It simply means they have advertised for pharmacists in the past.  However, it is worth your while to contact these employers. You can ask for an information interview. You can also ask if they would review your résumé. To learn more about information about resumes go to The tools you need to get the job page.

When you close the window with the list of employers you will return to the www.nscareeroptions.ca site. For your next step, we suggest you read the Employment Requirements and Contacts page. These organizations often list job opportunities on their websites.

Joining a professional organization and getting to know other people in your profession is a good way to find job opportunities.

You can also contact an employment specialist with the WINS program or the staff at a career or employment centre. For contact information, go to www.WorkinginNovaScotia.ca/Looking_for_Work.

The tools you need to get the job

When you apply for a job in Nova Scotia, you will put together a package that includes two items: your résumé and a cover letter. Your package may also include a portfolio, which can be an advantage during an information interview or a job interview. This section will explain what résumés, cover letters, and portfolios are.

Employers who have a job opening will receive résumés and cover letters from many candidates – sometimes more than 100. Employers will review all the résumés and make a short list of people they think may be right for the job. Then they will call these people for an interview.

Your résumé and cover letter must clearly state how you are qualified for the job. Employers often will take only a few minutes to evaluate each package. Now you can see how important résumés and cover letters are.

Preparing for a job interview

Preparing for a job interview

If an employer selects your résumé and cover letter for the short list, you may be called for an interview. A job interview is a conversation you will have in person with a potential employer. You may speak to just one person, or to a small group. You may also be called back for more than one interview. Sometimes, you will be interviewed over the telephone.

During this conversation they will ask you to expand on the information on your résumé. You will also be asked a variety of questions. There are four common types of interview questions:
• General questions
• Technical questions
• Situational questions
• Behavioural questions

Examples of general questions are: “Why should we hire you for this job?” or “Tell us what you know about our company.” Your answers will tell the interviewer that you have done some research about their company. They will also reveal your personal and professional goals and experience.

When interviewers ask technical questions they are assessing your specific knowledge related to the job. They may be checking your knowledge of Canadian occupational codes, standards,processes, and machinery. Examples are: “How does an X work?” or “Tell us what you know about X.” You may also be asked to demonstrate a skill, such as using a computer or giving a short presentation.

Your answer to a situational question will tell the employer how you would handle a common workplace situation. Employers ask these questions to check your problem solving, leadership, management, and decision-making skills. An example is: “What would you do if you could not meet a deadline?” or “How would you handle a situation where you disagreed with your supervisor?”

Employers ask behavioural questions because they want to know how you would react to a specific situation. They are looking for more than a yes or no answer. They want specific examples of your past experience. Some behavioural questions are: “Tell us about your proudest workplace accomplishment.” and “Give us an example of a time when you worked as a member of a team.”

You should be prepared to answer all four types of questions. You can do this by learning as much as possible about the company and the job ahead of time and practice answering questions. Be sure to review your résumé before the interview and think carefully about your previous education and work experience. The job ad will also give you clues about what the interviewers will ask. Get a friend or employment specialist to help you with a practice interview.

At the conclusion of the interview, the employer will ask if you have any questions. Employers like it when you ask questions because it demonstrates your interest and enthusiasm, so be sure to have a few questions prepared. Ask about the company’s goals and future directions as well as opportunities for professional development. Do not ask about salary and benefits yet!

Interview Checklist:
Before you go to a job interview….
❏ Research the position and the company or organization carefully.
❏ Review your résumé. Bring a clean copy of your résumé with you, along with your list of references, and your portfolio, if you have one.
❏ Practice answering the four types of questions. Be sure to make reference to the information in your résumé. Do not assume that the person interviewing you has read your résumé.
❏ Make sure you know how to get to the interview location – which bus you need to take, where to park, and so on. Find out how much time you need to get there. Plan to get to your interview 10 – 15 minutes early. Do not be late.
❏ Make a good impression by dressing in a way that is appropriate for that company. Make sure you look neat, clean, and well groomed for your interview.
❏ Do not make other plans too close to the time your interview is supposed to end. Sometimes job interviews go a little longer than expected. You might want to plan to park in a place that won’t have you worried about the parking meter.
❏ Follow up with a thank you note immediately after the interview. In your note, thank the interviewer for his or her time, and restate that you are very interested in the job.

You can learn more about creating tools for your job search by checking out the links at www.WorkinginNovaScotia.ca/Looking_for_Work. You can also take a workshop at a WINS or career resource centre or at an employment centre. Universities and community college career centres all provide workshops on résumé and cover-letter writing, and job interview skills, too. Try to find a workshop that provides you with an opportunity to practice your interview skills in a mock (pretend) interview. You can also learn more about job interviews by taking the New Beginnings Interview Skills Workshop through the WINS program. It is available in a classroom setting and
also online.

Getting Nova Scotian work experience and reference

One of the biggest challenges you may face in your job search is getting Canadian work experience and references. In order to get experience, you need to get a job. But in order to get the job, you need to have experience!  The good news is, there are many ways to get local work experience if you are willing to be flexible and creative.

These include:
Transitional jobs. This is a job related to your field, but is not necessarily your final goal. For example, if you are a teacher, you could work as an administrative assistant at a school. Transitional jobs can have many benefits. Transitional jobs are opportunities to get Canadian work experience, learn about local workplace culture, network with other people in the workforce, and improve your English language skills.

Work placements. You can take a Work Placement Program through the WINS program that will give you six weeks of on-the-job, Nova Scotian work experience with an employer in your field. You will not be paid, but you will get valuable work experience, professional contacts and a work reference. You will also get to network with many people in your field of work and observe the organizational culture. Almost 80 per cent of people who choose to do a work placement get jobs in their field within three months. Contact WINS for more information about the Work Placement Program.

Volunteering. Many Nova Scotians volunteer. Employers like to see volunteer work on résumés because it shows the person is interested in the community. Volunteering is also an excellent way to meet and network with other people who may help you find the right job. While you will not be paid for volunteering, you may get a Nova Scotian job reference. Try to choose volunteer work that matches the work you would like to do.

Short-Term/Contract jobs. You probably want a full-time permanent job. But today, many employers advertise jobs as short-term or contract positions. They may be called casual and can give you good experience. Often, these short-term, casual jobs can lead to permanent employment. Some employers promote from inside the company, and if you are working in one of these positions, you may be able to move into a more permanent job. Do not refuse a job because it is part-time or casual. The most important thing is to take the first step into the Canadian workforce.

Workplace culture in Nova Scotia

Workplace culture describes the rules for behaviour in a group or organization. You may find that workplace culture in Nova Scotia is different in some ways from workplace culture in your home country and similar to others. There may be different manners, processes, and ways of working. It is important that you understand and learn these ways of working so you feel comfortable working in Canada and will be successful in your career.

Workplace Culture in Nova Scotia will help you understand a few of the workplace culture basics. You can also learn about Canadian workplace culture by taking the New Beginnings Working in Canada workshop through the WINS program. While you are on the job, watch how others behave and fit in. Do not be afraid to ask questions.

Why it is important to work well as part of a team

“Teamwork” is an important word in Nova Scotian workplaces. Most occupations involve some form of teamwork – that means groups of people working toward a common goal. Even if your job is something you work on alone, you are always part of a larger organization. That is the team.

Success on the job is 60 per cent skills and 40 per cent attitude. Being a good “team player” is all about attitude.

How can you be a good team player?

Be positive and friendly. Nobody likes to work with someone who complains a lot. Employers like to hire people with a positive attitude because those people are usually the most productive workers. They also influence others with their positive attitude. Take pride in your work. When you do your job well, you are working well for the team. You will also influence others to work hard too. Do every job to the best of your ability. In Canada, hard work is respected. Most Canadians have done “basic service jobs” during their working life. It is how many Canadians started their first work experience.

Co-operate. Be willing to help out and try new things. These are valuable opportunities to build relationships at work and learn new skills.

Take initiative. If you have ideas to improve a process or help the company, share them.

Take responsibility. Everyone likes to get the credit for a job done well, but when things go wrong it is a very mature person who accepts the mistake. Do not try to cover a mistake up. Never blame someone else. Take the responsibility and explain what you will do to correct the situation.

Keep an open mind. When you are willing to listen to the ideas of others, others will talk to you. They will certainly listen when you share ideas of your own. So never dismiss other people's ideas in a way that might insult them or hurt their feelings. By listening you might hear what is good in the idea - and you will build work relationships.

Be customer-focused. You might not realize that your job is in customer service. Perhaps your work is out of the public eye but that does not mean your work does not affect the customer. Also, it is helpful to think of your co-workers, your supervisor, and the owner of the company as your customers as well. The work you do helps them.

Why you should keep improving your skills

As the new person in an occupation, you might be asked to do jobs you feel are below your skill level. Keep in mind that many of your co-workers started the same way. If you maintain a positive attitude, you may learn something new, and you will certainly show that you are a good team player.

Today’s workplace is constantly changing due to new technology, new processes, and new markets. Employers value workers who keep their skills up to date, because those workers will be ready to help the employer face these new challenges. Make sure you tell any potential employer that you are continuing your training to improve your skills. This will make you a more attractive job candidate.

Even after you get a job in Nova Scotia, it is important that you continue learning. Look for opportunities for professional development and further training. This will help you with your job and will make you more employable if other jobs become open.

Once you are working, your employer may be able to help you find appropriate training workshops. Do not hesitate to ask your supervisor or manager about opportunities for ongoing professional development.

What are your rights as an employee?

In Canada, there are two main types of laws to protect workers. The first type is federal law. Federal laws are laws that are the same across Canada. The two federal laws about the Canadian workplace are:
• Charter of Rights and Freedoms
• Employment Equity Act

There is also the Canadian Human Rights Code, which covers federally regulated employers.

The second type of law that protects workers is provincial. Provincial laws apply just to one province. In Nova Scotia, the following laws are focused on workplaces and employment:
• Human Rights
• Pay Equity
• Labour Standards
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Workers Compensation

Human Rights
Nova Scotia's Human Rights Act is a provincial law that states every person is free and equal in dignity and rights without regard to age, race, colour, religion, creed, sex (gender), sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, ethnic, national or aboriginal origin, family or marital status, source of income or political belief,
affiliation or activity.

You can find more information on Nova Scotia’s Human Rights Act on their website
at: www.gov.ns.ca/humanrights

Pay Equity and Labour Standards

The Nova Scotia Labour Standards Code protects you as an employee. It sets minimum standards for employment that include:
• payment for work
• hours of work, rest periods, and days of rest
• overtime and overtime pay
• vacations and holidays
• pregnancy/parental, court, and bereavement leave
• how the employer can end the employment
• employment of children
You can find out more about Nova Scotia Labour Standards at www.gov.ns.ca/lwd/employmentrights/

Occupational Health and Safety

In Nova Scotia, the Occupational Health and Safety Act provides the rules for monitoring the safety of employees and employers. Both employers and employees are responsible for creating a safe workplace. It is your responsibility to report safety violations and hazards. It is also your responsibility to follow safety rules. It is the employer’s responsibility to enforce safety rules and have a safe workplace. The Occupational Health and Safety Division gets involved when employers do not follow and enforce rules or when an accident happens. You can learn more at www.gov.ns.ca/lwd/healthandsafety/ 

Workers Compensation

In Nova Scotia, the Workers’ Compensation Act provides the rules for compensating injured employees in the workplace. Most types of businesses must have workers’ compensation insurance to protect both the employers and the workers. You can find more information about workers’ compensation at www.wcb.ns.ca

Employment Services and Supports

Working in Nova Scotia

The Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association (MISA) 
Suite 201 – 7105 Chebucto Place
Halifax, NS
902-423-3607
info@misa.ns.ca
www.misa.ns.ca

Halifax Immigrant Learning Centre (HILC) 
Suite 201 – 7105 Chebucto Place
Halifax, NS
902-443-2937
info@hilc.ns.ca
www.hilc.ns.ca

WINS is a bridging program that you can customize to your own needs to help you reach your employment goals. Services available through this program include:

Employment Counselling – you can work with an employment specialist to establish goals and develop flexible and customized plans of action.

Workplace Language Programs

• English for Work and Business – for diverse employment backgrounds.
• Language Learning Strategies – for high-level learners.
• Professional Series – to increase communication skills for successful workplace integration.
• Write Right – provides opportunities to practice the professional skills needed to bemore effective in the Canadian workplace.

Pre-Employment

• New Beginnings Workshops – workshops on Job Searching, Interview Skills, and Working in Canada prepare newcomers to become independent job seekers.
• Additional Workshops – Portfolio Development, Job Fair Preparations, Networking, Employer Information/Recruitment Sessions.
• Computer Training – individual and group instruction in Microsoft Office, Internet, e-mail and others.

Sector/Profession Specific

• English for Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals is a sixteen-week training program developed for internationally educated healthcare professionals.
• English for Engineers provides language skills development and orientation to the engineering profession in Nova Scotia for internationally educated engineers.
• English for Managers is a language program that also provides workplace culture orientation for newcomers entering the workplace as managers and supervisors.
• Programs for International Pharmacy Graduates gives you the opportunity to get experience in a Canadian pharmacy. The programs also provide communications skills labs. All discussions are led by licensed pharmacists.
• OSCE Preparation Workshop for International Medical Graduates provides you with an opportunity to practice professional communications using mock patients and medical cases. Discussions are led by licensed physicians. Mock Objective Structured Clinical Evaluations (OSCEs) are also conducted.
• Orientation to Teaching in Nova Scotia for Internationally Educated Teachers an eight-week program orienting internationally educated teachers to the public education system in Nova Scotia.

Workforce Contact

• Work Placement Program – a six-week “on-the-job” experience that provides Canadian work experience, local references, and professional contacts as well as the chance for the host employer to assess the qualifications of the participant in a worksite setting.
• Professional Mentor Program – newcomers are matched with professionals in their field to build skills, network, and to better understand their occupations in Canada.
• Employment Referrals – employment specialists actively refer clients to potential employers.
• English in the Workplace – includes a range of language training options, delivered on site at the workplace and customized to meet the needs of the employee and the workplace.

Distance WINS Programs available outside of the Halifax Regional Municipality

• Employment Counselling
• Online Language Training
• Videoconference Language Training
• New Beginnings Online
• |Professional Mentor Program
• Work Placement Program
• English in the Workplace

Career Resource Centres
There is a network of Career Resource Centres across Nova Scotia that can help you with your job search.  For a list of Career Resource Centres in Nova Scotia click on the image bellow.

Student Career Centres

If you are a student at a post-secondary institution, the student career or employment centre at your school can help with career planning and job-searching skills.  Click here for a list links to educational institutions in Nova Scotia

English as a second language (ESL) supports

ESL Volunteer Tutor Programs 

Halifax Public Libraries - (902) 490-5990

• ESL for Adults Programs is a volunteer-based, one-to-one tutoring program for adults learning English as a second language. Programs are delivered at the following libraries: Alderney Gate Public Library, Halifax North Public Library, Bedford Public Library, Keshen Goodman Public Library, Captain William Spry Public Library, and Spring Garden Road Public Library.

Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association – (902) 423-3607 

• ESL Volunteer Tutor Program offers one-on-one volunteer led support to individuals who request support to build on their English reading, writing, aural, and oral skills.

Other English Support Programs

Centre for Diverse Visible Cultures - (902) 445-0946

• Accent Reduction for Immigrant Professionals and Foreign Born Persons assists newcomers and ethnic Nova Scotians to improve overall communication and speech intelligibility by pronouncing English correctly so that they can be easily understood at work, at school, or in their social life.

Metro-Region Immigrant Language Services Program - (902) 464-2868

• Canadian Connections Program assists professionals by providing information, available resources and access to credential assessment centres in order to improve the necessary skills to further their studies or compete in the Nova Scotia job market. Limited financial assistance may be available.
• Computer Business Center for Newcomers includes specialized software programs for professionals and skilled workers covering 45 different career topics.
• Outreach Program provides services to newcomers who are unable to leave their homes for special reasons such as young children, poor health and distance. Areas served are Halifax, Dartmouth, Cole Harbour, Bedford and some areas of Sackville.
• Teaching Immigrants English (TIE) Program provides English as second language instruction to newcomers living in the mainland Nova Scotia and Cape Breton. 

Nova Scotia Community College  - (902) 491-3588

• English for Academic Purposes provides English language instruction to newcomers whose language skills are not sufficient to enter post-secondary educational institutions in Nova Scotia or to successfully complete occupational credentialing requirements.

Valley Community Learning Association - (902) 679-5252

• Valley ESL Project provides ESL classes in the Valley region.

YMCA Of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth - Centre for Immigrant Programs - (902) 457-9622

• Conversation Group Program provides beginner, intermediate and advanced English language conversation groups.

LINC Schools

Halifax Regional School Board (HRSB) Adult ESL

The Halifax Regional School Board offers full-time and part-time language instruction at three locations –t wo in Halifax and one in Dartmouth.

Full-time
Quinpool Education Centre 6067 Quinpool Road, 3rd Floor, Halifax
Telephone:(902) 421-7779
Fax: (902) 421-2520

Part-time
St. Agnes Catholic Church  6903 Mumford Road, Halifax
Telephone:(902) 421-7779
Fax: (902) 421-2520

Metro-Region Immigrant Language Services
Forsyth Centre136 Pinecrest Drive, Dartmouth
Telephone:(902) 464-2868
Fax: (902) 464-2828
Email: contact@mils.ca

Halifax Immigrant Learning Centre

The Halifax Immigrant Learning Centre offers full-time and part-time languageinstruction at two locations in Halifax.

Suite 201, Chebucto Place, 7105 Chebucto Road, Halifax
St Andrew’s Community Centre, Bayers Road, Halifax
Telephone:(902) 443-2937
Fax: (902) 423-3154