Employment Programs & Services
Building pathways to care and community
ISANS employment services play a key role in helping newcomers build successful careers in Canada. Through personalized career counselling, bridging programs for regulated professions, and job development services, ISANS supports immigrants in achieving their employment goals and contributing their skills, experience, and talents to Nova Scotia’s workforce and communities.
One example of these targeted training initiatives is the Long-Term Care Aide (LTCA) and Disability Support Worker (DSW) Program.
The program is funded by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, and is designed using Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and trauma-informed principles to equip newcomers with the skills and workplace competencies needed to provide high-quality, culturally responsive care including for marginalized populations.
Newcomers often face significant barriers when entering the Canadian labour market, such as limited workplace language skills, unfamiliarity with workplace culture, lack of profession-specific knowledge, credential recognition challenges, and limited access to networks and Canadian work experience. The LTCA/DSW program has proven highly effective in addressing these challenges while supporting employers’ need for job-ready talent. Through a competency-based curriculum that includes sector-specific communication training, employment preparation, and practical exposure, participants gain a strong foundation in both long-term care and disability support roles.
Since 2021, 175 ISANS clients have completed the program, with 50 new participants enrolled in the current fiscal year. To date, 36 clients have secured employment; five have advanced into Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) programs, and many others are completing training or actively interviewing demonstrating strong outcomes in workforce integration.
Emma Ibraheem’s journey exemplifies this success, showing how a holistic approach that combines training, volunteering, and community support empowers newcomers to achieve meaningful employment while contributing to Nova Scotia’s healthcare sector.
During the past year, ISANS also expanded its support for Internationally Trained Lawyers (ITLs). In collaboration with the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society and the Nova Scotia Department of Justice, ITLs gained access to observership opportunities with practicing lawyers. These placements helped clients better understand Canadian legal culture and learn about the practical and procedural aspects of practicing law in Canada.
Yetunde Cole’s journey gained momentum when she participated in the Nova Scotia Department of Justice Observership Program. Following ISANS’ comprehensive screening and referral process, Yetunde was accepted into the Nova Scotia Department of Justice Observership Program for Internationally Trained Lawyers.
These stories reflect the program’s broader impact: through collaboration, opportunity, and shared support, we grow together.
1,144
ISANS clients gained employment
39
clients completed the Work-based Trades Practical Assessment
27
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) accessed the medical field (Residency,
Med-Clerkship, Practice Ready Assessment, and Clinical Assistants)
19
Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) became licensed and employed as
Registered Nurses, and four as Licensed Practical Nurses
26
automotive service technicians in Nova Scotia have completed training in EV
safety and the fundamentals of electric vehicle servicing.
From new beginnings to new purpose: Emma’s story of growth
“Since moving to Nova Scotia, I have experienced many challenges and opportunities while adapting to a new country, culture, and language. This journey has helped me grow both personally and professionally,” shares Emma Ibraheem.
Empowering New Beginnings: Yetunde Cole’s Journey to Rebuilding a Legal Career in Nova Scotia
“The experience expanded my professional network and directly supported my successful transition to working in my field. It provided the encouragement and clarity I needed”, says Yetunde Cole.
"Since 2017, Master Auto has been proudly partnering with ISANS to host and hire skilled tradespeople, and this collaboration has been invaluable in addressing the skilled trades shortage in Nova Scotia.
Through ISANS, we've successfully hired several talented automotive service technicians from diverse countries, strengthening our workforce and enhancing our services. I firmly believe that ISANS equips new immigrants for success by providing essential resources, including language classes, tools, safety gear, and comprehensive safety training. These resources have been key to helping our new team members integrate smoothly and excel in their roles.
We are excited to continue our partnership with ISANS and look forward to many more years of mutual success."
Fouad Mina
Owner at Master Auto
"At Good Air Ventilation, we have proudly partnered with the ISANS Trades Program for the past 3 years, during which we've hired several of their clients. These employees have demonstrated a strong commitment to learning our business and seamlessly integrating into our team. Their adaptability and dedication have led to significant skill development and contributions to our work environment.
The Trades Program has been invaluable in helping us address the skilled trades shortage in the labor market. We look forward to continuing this successful and beneficial partnership with the ISANS Trades Program for years to come."
Mazen Alwarith
Owner at Good Air Ventilation