Resources to Support NS Students and Teachers

The resources identified below reflect information and community supports beneficial to individuals entering the labour market. 

The Association of Industry Sector Councils (AISC) is a non profit organization representing almost 32,000 small and medium sized businesses across Nova Scotia. These businesses represent 12 industry sectors that contribute greatly to the economy of Nova Scotia. Information found on the AISC site can support student career planning and decision making. 

Brilliant Labs is a not-for-profit, hands-on technology and experiential learning platform based in Atlantic Canada.  Brilliant Labs can support teachers and students with the integration of creativity, innovation, coding, and an entrepreneurial spirit within classrooms and educational curricula. Through these supports and events delivered in NS schools they can introduce new skills as well as help students identify and develop their skills as they plan for their future. 

Students can explore current Nova Scotia labour market information through the Careers Nova Scotia website. Careers Nova Scotia also provides a number of publications that can support student career awareness and help inform their career plans and decisions. These include:

• Career Success in Nova Scotia: Training and Education
• Career Success in Nova Scotia: Getting Hired
• Career Success in Nova Scotia: Planning With a Young Adult
• Labour Market Information: Learner’s Guide
• High Opportunity Career Options in NS 2016-2017

Co-operative Education courses are available for students in all high schools in Nova Scotia. In a co-operative education placement students are immersed in career exploration in a community or workplace setting. This exposure to skills and workplace experiences provides students with first hand insight into what it means to be in the labour market, informing their career planning and decisions. Youth Pathways Consultants in each of the Regional Centres for Education are available to support schools and teachers in the delivery of this course to benefit students’ career exploration. 

Entrepreneurship contributes significantly to the growth of the economy in Nova Scotia. Aspiring entrepreneurs can explore the attributes of entrepreneurs in their own community through conversations and formal interviews. They can also learn more about what it means to be an entrepreneur by exploring program offerings through Junior Achievement, CEED or by connecting with post-secondary Enactus initiatives. The NS Department of Education and Early Childhood Development hosts an annual Minister’s Entrepreneurship Award of Excellence to support students in Grades 6-12 in pursuing their entrepreneurial goals.   

myBlueprint is an online, comprehensive education and career/life planning tool. It helps students make informed decisions about their future. The site features information and resources that are important for students and all those that work with them. Teachers can help students sign up for a myBlueprint account and also share instructions with families on how to offer additional support for students at home. 

Nova Scotia Works Centres offer employment assistance services for individuals entering the labour market as well as those who may be returning to or experiencing changes in employment. Qualified career practitioners can support students and families by meeting with them to discuss career plans and help them to find information that will enable them to make an informed decision. Students and families can access one-on-one services or attend one of the many available workshops including Let’s Talk Careers. With locations across the province, NS Works staff can also support students and teachers in the delivery of workshops focused on the skills needed to enter the labour market. 

Skills Canada Nova Scotia is a non profit organization whose mission is to promote opportunities in skilled trades and technology to youth across the province. They welcome opportunities to work alongside Nova Scotia educators in creating and promoting opportunities for students. These include presentations, workshops, competitions and resources. 

Techsploration is a non profit organization that supports female students in exploring careers in science, trades, technology and engineering careers. Students and teachers can access more than 50 videos in their ‘Women in Action’ & ‘Power in Possibilities’ video series to learn more about career opportunities. While many of these videos are available in English, some have also been produced in French.