Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance

The START Program continues to create meaningful connections between local employers and job seekers across our community. Through funding support and collaborative partnerships, employers are able to strengthen their teams while individuals gain valuable employment opportunities and long-term career growth.
 
This spring, the Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance (LAMP) accessed the START Program to support their hiring needs during a challenging time in the arts sector. With assistance from Employment Solutions Society, Nova Scotia Works, and Labour, Skills and Immigration, the organization continued delivering important programming to the community while expanding its internal capacity.
 
LAMP General Manager, Rhian Merritt-Macintosh, shared the following about their experience:
 
“The START program has been absolutely essential for our non-profit organization... support from the START program has allowed us to continue a level of programming that our community expects while being able to maintain our HR capacity in the office. The help that we received from Nova Scotia Works and LSI team members was fantastic, and we felt well looked after throughout the entire process.
As an employer, it was surprising to see so many high-quality applicants who fit the requirements for the START program. We narrowed it down to five individuals for interviews, all of which had great potential with our organization. The candidate that we chose to hire has been extremely efficient, enthusiastic about their work, and has brought great new ideas to the team. We are very grateful for the START program and would recommend it to any business when looking to fill HR needs.”
 
For the employee, Han Frandsen, the START Program provided an opportunity to transition into meaningful employment with confidence and support throughout the process.
Han shared:
 
“I’ve had a very positive experience beginning new employment through the START Program. The entire process has been clear and straightforward, and it played an important role in helping me step into what has turned out to be a truly wonderful position. It’s been a great fit, and overall a successful experience for both me and my employer.
I especially appreciate the ongoing support this program provides, as well as how thoughtful and approachable the START team has been throughout the whole process. Even though I didn’t need a great deal of direct assistance after starting my work, the team has consistently checked in and made sure I know what resources are available to me, which means a lot. It’s reassuring to know that support is there if or when it’s needed.
I’m very grateful for the opportunity the program helped create, and for the sense of confidence and stability it has fostered. I would absolutely recommend the START Program to others.”
 
Success stories like this highlight the impact that partnerships between employers, job seekers, and employment support programs can have in our communities. We’re proud to support both businesses and individuals through programs that create sustainable employment opportunities and strengthen local workplaces.