Employment Programs & Services
About the Program
The Employment and Business programs and services at ISANS provide tailored support to help immigrants successfully navigate the Canadian workforce and business environment.
Whether preparing for employment before arriving in Canada or adapting to the job market post-arrival, our programs are designed to support newcomers at every stage of their journey. We assist individuals in identifying career pathways, developing job search skills and understanding Canadian workplace culture. For those with entrepreneurial aspirations, we offer guidance on launching and growing a business in Nova Scotia.
We also work with employers across sectors to connect them with skilled immigrant talent, fostering inclusive workplaces that value diversity and expertise. Through individualized support, practical tools and strategic connections, we help build meaningful employment outcomes and strong economic integration for newcomers in Nova Scotia.
Explore What We Offer
Tell us about your journey:
Work-Based Trades Practical Assessment (HRM & Rural NS)
Begin your trade journey toward Red Seal Certification.
Support Services
Note: Not all clients are eligible to access all support services, please confirm with the program coordinator.
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Care for Newcomer Children– Long Term Care Program
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Interpretation/Translation
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Disability Support
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Care for Newcomer Children– Short Term Care Program
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Digital Navigation
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Tech Lending Library
Impact Stories
Empowering New Beginnings: Yetunde Cole’s Journey to Rebuilding a Legal Career in Nova Scotia
When Yetunde Cole relocated to Canada in 2023 with her family, she carried with her more than a decade of experience as a prosecutor and a deep commitment to her profession. Like many internationally trained lawyers, she arrived with hope for professional growth, stability, and broader opportunities for her children but also faced the reality…
From New Beginnings to New Purpose: Emma’s Story of Growth
Emma Ibraheem, a privately sponsored refugee from Syria, arrived in Nova Scotia in July 2025 with a strong determination to rebuild her life and pursue new career opportunities. While her academic background was in Sociology, she chose to transition into the healthcare sector recognizing both the demand and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. …
Testimonials
The WTPA (Work-Based Trades Practical Assessment) program helped me start my career as a mechanic in Nova Scotia, where I could apply the skills and experience I earned back home. ISANS supported me every step of the way, from connecting me with an employer to providing safety shoes, tools, and everything I needed to begin working. I am deeply grateful for the support that helped me settle in and provide for my family.
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ISANS truly helped me navigate my path to licensing. The program was incredibly accommodating, offering support at every turn. That level of support truly makes a difference. It’s not an easy road to get your license, but it is achievable. I have done it, and many others have too. Don’t give up. There are countless opportunities, and once you earn your license, the rewards are well worth the effort.
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ISANS has been instrumental in providing support to our employees for the past several years. It has been a good resource for anyone who is starting a new life in Canada. They are continuously evolving, especially with the current changes in immigration and they offer support to people even before they arrive in the country. Collaborating with them is a rewarding experience. Their commitment and passion to work truly shows in how they deal with everyone — their employees, clients and partners.
Nova Scotia Health is honored to collaborate with ISANS in support of the One Person, One Record initiative, the largest healthcare transformation in Nova Scotia’s history. Through this partnership, we are committed to facilitating the integration of internationally educated healthcare & IT professionals into the workforce, ensuring they contribute their expertise to enhance patient care and improve the healthcare system. This alignment with the province’s health transformation efforts is a key step toward building a more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable healthcare sector. Thank you ISANS!
Jenn Williams
Recruitment Consultant, Provincial Planning at Nova Scotia Health
Employment, Partners
Dexter Construction Company and the Municipal Group of Companies work with ISANS to continue to build the capacity necessary in supporting immigrants and refugees through our partnership. Since 2011, Dexter Construction Company has hired over 100 clients from ISANS, and through programs such as Bridge to Construction and Engineers, through work-based competency programs. Dexter Construction has come to rely on ISANS to provide labour-ready individuals to join the construction sector during a period of acute labour shortages and an aging demographic across the industry. We look forward to working further to expand these programs and hire more clients for ISANS.
Through job readiness workshops, resume building sessions, and professional mentorship, ISANS not only helped me understand the Canadian job landscape but also gave me the encouragement to pursue opportunities that aligned with my skills and career goals. I’m now employed in a role that I’m proud of, and it wouldn’t have been possible without their incredible support.