We know connection comes in many forms and that connections can be formed in many ways, but an invaluable way immigrants connect with their new home is through their work. Finding gainful employment provides a gateway to countless opportunities and experiences, while also offering a strong foundation of safety and security from which individuals and families can grow, branch, and explore.

ISANS’ Employment and Bridging Services help immigrants become independent and effective in their job search through many supports such as job-search workshops, practice interviews, computer skills training, workplace language training, and employment counselling. Our services also help internationally educated immigrants gain the experience, knowledge, resources, and qualifications they need for regulated professions in Canada through profession-specific bridging programs as well as through funding opportunities such as the Atlantic Immigrant Career Loan Fund.

In Nova Scotia, there is currently a strong labour market demand for early childhood educators (ECEs) and long-term care aides (LTCAs). Yet, immigrant job-seekers – despite their international training and their desire and ability to contribute to these sectors – are not able to help address this demand because they lack Canadian qualifications. So this year, in addition to expanding access for profession-specific, gender-based, and youth-focused programs to include pre-arrival immigrants and those living outside HRM, our Employment and bridging team developed programs specifically for ECEs and LTCAs.

With inclusivity in mind, these programs are designed for immigrants who experience multiple barriers to employment such as limited language skills, childcare needs, as well as gaps in the competencies, knowledge, and training they need to be successful in both fields. To ensure the programs’ mutual success, our Employment and Bridging team worked closely with employers, ISANS’ Language Services, funders, and multi-stakeholder work group members including regulatory bodies, professional associations, educational institutions, government agencies, and community organizations.

This strong network has enabled us to leverage our shared expertise to develop curriculum that accurately prepares participants for the competencies, industry standards, and licensure processes of early childhood education and long-term care. These connections have also helped us bolster employer involvement to host candidates for work placements, which has enabled LTCAs and ECEs to gain relevant, practical experience in their fields, exponentially increasing their chances of employment.

We’re pleased to say these programs have been a great success, leading to employment for many participants – directly addressing Nova Scotia’s demand in these fields – as well as opportunities for further training and development.