Unemployed Nova Scotians returning to the classroom to upgrade their skills will get more support this fall.
Government is increasing support for living expenses, child care and dependent care for eligible participants of the Skills Development program for the 2016/17 school year. The program, provided through federal labour market funding, offers financial support to people who need additional skills to find long-term, meaningful employment.
Specific changes are:
— $300 per week in living allowance for single clients, up from $200
— $400 per week in living allowance for clients with dependents, up from $350
— $100 per week, per child or dependent, for care, up from $100 per week per family
“We know it’s difficult for people to balance work, family and household expenses with post-secondary education,” said Kelly Regan, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education. “These changes will help even more Nova Scotians get the skills and training they need to create a better future for themselves and their families.”
Changes to the program, which take effect Sept. 1, will help make post-secondary study more accessible to more Nova Scotians.
“I have two young kids so going back to school was difficult, but I also knew it was time for a change and time for me to find a job that would allow me to support my family,” said Kevin MacPherson, past Skills Development participant and recent Nova Scotia Community College graduate. “This program definitely made it easier for me to manage my commitments and my studies. Changes will only help to make things even easier for others and hopefully help more people get the education and job they need.”
These changes support other efforts underway to help Nova Scotians connect with jobs, including changes to the province’s employment services system and the expansion of the Graduate to Opportunity program. They also help to provide businesses with a more qualified, skilled and ready to work labour pool to recruit and hire from.
To find out more about the Skills Development program go to https://www.novascotia.ca/employmentnovascotia/programs/skills-development.asp .
Source: Release
