This section of our website is directed toward helping youth with answers to questions that are related to career planning, job search, volunteering, post secondary and other important topics.
NSW SCHOOL LIAISONS
The Nova Scotia Works School Liaison program is a partnership between the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration.
Every public high school has access to a Nova Scotia Works School Liaison to work beside students, and as a resource for families, as youth chart their career paths and explore the world of work.
Connecting with your school liaison is easy! Send an email, text or call. You can meet them in person at your school or virtually.
Every public high school has access to a Nova Scotia Works School Liaison to work beside students, and as a resource for families, as youth chart their career paths and explore the world of work.
Connecting with your school liaison is easy! Send an email, text or call. You can meet them in person at your school or virtually.
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Lorenda Barkhouse
Work phone: 902 521-3406 School email: [email protected] Work email: [email protected] Park View Education Centre - Mondays & Tuesdays
New Germany Rural High School - Wednesdays Forest Heights Community School - Thursdays Bridgewater Office - Fridays |
Catherine Gillis
Work phone: 902 350-1575 School email: [email protected] Work email: [email protected] Liverpool Regional High School - Mondays
Shelburne Regional High School - Tuesdays North Queens Community School - Wednesdays Lockeport Regional High School - Thursdays Liverpool Office/Queens Adult & Alternate High School - Fridays |
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All public high school students, staff and families have access to myBlueprint. Use this site to help with career exploration, resume and cover letter templates, course planning and self-discovery! Students can access from their GNSPES launch page; families should follow this link: https://education.myblueprint.ca/ns
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LET'S TALK CAREERS
Let’s Talk Careers sessions help families and communities to support youth in making informed career choices. This program is intended to open and support career dialogue, build connections and increase the sharing of information and resources among youth, families and their communities.
There are a total of 4 different modules, each with a slightly different focus:
1. Head Start: This is an introduction to career development. The main topics are the importance of mentorship, understanding Gen Z, Labour Market Information and skill building.
2. Filling Your Toolbox: This workshop is particularly valuable for families and mentors that are supporting youth that are actively in the decision-making career planning stage. It focuses on specific tools and resources that will be valuable during this stage.
3. Making Moves: This workshop is directed towards youth themselves. It covers the process of decision-making, self-discovery, career exploration and creating a plan for success.
4. Community Counts: This is a flexible program offered to families, youth and mentors together. It is designed to encourage community members to share relevant local labour market information with youth and families while youth work on making a targeted action plan.
Your School Liaison offers this programming several times per year. Be sure to reach out to find out about the next workshops being offered in your area!
There are a total of 4 different modules, each with a slightly different focus:
1. Head Start: This is an introduction to career development. The main topics are the importance of mentorship, understanding Gen Z, Labour Market Information and skill building.
2. Filling Your Toolbox: This workshop is particularly valuable for families and mentors that are supporting youth that are actively in the decision-making career planning stage. It focuses on specific tools and resources that will be valuable during this stage.
3. Making Moves: This workshop is directed towards youth themselves. It covers the process of decision-making, self-discovery, career exploration and creating a plan for success.
4. Community Counts: This is a flexible program offered to families, youth and mentors together. It is designed to encourage community members to share relevant local labour market information with youth and families while youth work on making a targeted action plan.
Your School Liaison offers this programming several times per year. Be sure to reach out to find out about the next workshops being offered in your area!
PREPARE FOR WORK
Resumes
- To get started you may want to use the myBlueprint Resume Builder (access through your GNSPES launch page) but don’t feel that you must fill in all the sections, focus on the ones most relevant to you and the position you’re applying for.
- Focus on key skills if you don’t have prior work experience. These are usually transferable skills that you’ve learned through school activities or extra-curriculars. Make sure they align with the skills needed for the job.
- Describe what you did in past jobs/volunteer experiences. Use 2-3 bullet points and start each one with a verb (action word). You want to structure the bullet point by first describing the skill you demonstrated, the details of what you had to do, and the results of your action.
- On a separate page list the names of 2-3 references. Ask these adults ahead of time if you can list their name and contact information.
- myBlueprint also has a Cover Letter Builder. This is helpful to make sure that the headings appear the same on both your resume and cover letter, creating a personal “brand”.
- Make sure you double check the contact information for the employer. Try to address the letter to the person that will be hiring you if possible.
- Write a new cover letter for every job that you are applying for. Review the job ad carefully and highlight any important skills or qualifications required. Directly refer to these in your cover letter.
- Close with a call to action. Make sure your last paragraph states what you would like the reader to do. A possible option is: “I look forward to the opportunity to discuss this position with you further and can be contacted at (902) XXX-XXXX.”
- In preparation, spend time reflecting on your strengths, areas for development, skills, energy level and motivations.
- Remember that you never get a second chance to make a good first impression! Therefore, ensure that you have a neat and tidy appearance for your interview and do your best to demonstrate confidence.
- Answer all questions thoroughly. Try to avoid brief responses to ensure that you’re fully explaining your thought process.
- Your School Liaison is an excellent resource to find out about current job opportunities in your community.
- Recommended job search websites include:
- Check community bulletin boards in businesses, libraries and community centers. A lot of jobs are also advertised on Facebook community groups.
- And don’t forget the importance of word of mouth! Make sure you tell your family and friends that you are looking for work, as they might know about additional opportunities.
Labour Market Information is information about jobs and the people who do them. It is important to gather accurate labour market information as we consider our career options. Some ways you can gather information is by talking to people about the jobs they do, referring to reliable sources (like the ones below) for statistics and what the future outlooks are for different fields in the province.
Learning & Skill Development
Paying for Post-Secondary
Labour Market Information is information about jobs and the people who do them. It is important to gather accurate labour market information as we consider our career options. Some ways you can gather information is by talking to people about the jobs they do, referring to reliable sources (like the ones below) for statistics and what the future outlooks are for different fields in the province.
- Nova Scotia Works: You can explore career opportunities in Nova Scotia as well as post-secondary education. There is also a section showing regional statistics and trends.
- LMI Nova Scotia: This is helpful for analyzing statistics about the labour force in Nova Scotia.
- Association of Industry Sector Councils Labour Survey: This survey data provides helpful information such as wages and vacancies within businesses that are associated with the AISC.
- Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council Career Paths: Learn about career paths in all of the construction-based trades.
- Job Bank of Canada: Allows career research and exploration for careers across Canada.
- Labour Market Information Council: The Canadian Job Trends Dashboard analyzes online job postings so that you can see the trends. There are also relevant articles posted on the site.
- myBlueprint: Is valuable for comparing careers and exploring post-secondary opportunities. This tool provides resource for across Canada.
Learning & Skill Development
- Skills Online NS
- Digital Nova Scotia Training
- Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission Free Online Training
- Money Path Atlantic
- Apprenticeship Nova Scotia
- High School Pre-Apprenticeship Programs:
- Serve it Up! (Service Trades)
- Test Drive (Automotive Trades)
- Building Futures for Youth (Construction Trades)
- Skills Canada NS Competitions
Paying for Post-Secondary
