Pre-Arrival & Employment Transition Programs & Services
Strengthening Workforce Readiness for Newcomers
ISANS supports newcomers to meaningfully participate in the Nova Scotia labour market by providing them with opportunities to upskill and adapt through programs like Job Search Strategies (JSS), Working in Canada (WIC), and Canadian Workplace Culture (CWC). These courses educate participants about the Nova Scotia labour market and help them explore how their skills and experience match what is being sought. In addition, critical information on workplace culture, rights, safety, and standards give newcomers the insights they need to successfully interact with colleagues and navigate the Canadian workplace. The Practice Interview program is another critical piece that helps newcomers gain employment in their chosen fields by familiarizing them with Canadian style interviews and giving them the opportunity to participate in mock interviews with HR and other experts in their fields. These initiatives enhance their job search abilities, networking and interview performance, and, ultimately, long-term career growth.
Recognizing that digital skills are essential for full participation in Canadian society, our computer skills training program offers comprehensive technology courses for newcomers at all levels.
With flexible scheduling and both in-person and online options, we help newcomers build digital confidence for employment, education, and daily life, ensuring they are ready to thrive in every aspect of their new lives.
ISANS also supports newcomers' pre-arrival with settlement and employment services to help ease their transition to Canada. The Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA) program, delivered in partnership with six settlement agencies across Canada, offers personalized, destination-specific settlement and employment support. SOPA provides newcomers with information sessions, orientations, job search training, one-on-one guidance, and practical tools for understanding Canadian workplace culture and regulations. By connecting clients with resources before they arrive, SOPA helps build confidence and lays a strong foundation for successful integration and meaningful employment. Our Pre-Arrival Settlement Counselling program further assists refugees and internationally trained healthcare professionals as they prepare for successful integration into Nova Scotia’s workforce and community.
703
clients upgraded their job search and soft skills to better participate in the Canadian labour market and understand the Canadian workplace
242
clients upgraded their computer skills over
53
computer courses
165
clients received pre-arrival foreign credential recognition support, and
70+
clients began their foreign credential recognition process pre-arrival
92
clients received employment counselling services pre-arrival
916
clients participated in
1,588
practice interviews, preparing them for successful interviews in their chosen field
From experience to opportunity: Jowaad is growing a career in Nova Scotia
“I could not have done it without the support of the entire team,” says Jowaad. “The feedback from my mock interview was essential. I landed a job from the very first application my Job Search Strategies (JSS) facilitator helped me prepare, and I was overjoyed!”