New graduates and young job-seekers will be better able to find meaningful work and grow in Nova Scotia’s public service.
Public Service Commission Minister Labi Kousoulis announced today, June 12, government will take greater steps to attract and retain young people in the provincial public service.
“As we challenge others to create welcoming conditions in the workplace for our young people, government will also make changes that will make us more appealing to youth as an employer,” said Mr. Kousoulis. “There are many talented youth contributing to communities across our province. They are leaders of the future, and we want to create the conditions that will welcome them into the public service and contribute to our workforce here.”
Over the coming months, government will develop a strategy designed to make opportunities more accessible for young people by:
— informing high school and post-secondary students about potential career paths in the public service and the education needed for public service careers
— creating entry-level positions for graduates and skilled youth with little experience
— developing internship and co-op programs designed to introduce and attract youth to the public service
— offering ongoing mentorship, career counselling and training for young employees once they join government
Laura Lee Langley, commissioner of the Public Service Commission, said the public service offers many opportunities for talented young people to make meaningful contributions to society, communities, and Nova Scotia’s economy.
“We understand some students are worried about getting their first job out of university, college or trade school,” said Ms. Langley. “They want to know there will be meaningful career options for them as they graduate.”
Mike Kennedy, chair of GoverNEXT, a group of more than 500 public servants exploring the next generation of ideas on how the public service works, is pleased with the changes.
“Many young job-seekers and public servants encounter challenges entering into, or advancing their careers within, the public service because of the years of experience required,” said Mr. Kennedy. “These changes will make it easier for young Nova Scotians to progress in their careers. There are many rewarding career paths in government with the opportunity to contribute to, and shape, the future of our province.”
Ashley Thistle, a junior engineer at the Department of Environment, is excited by the opportunities her career is providing.
“I have found rewarding work with the public service and the opportunity to start my career here at home,” said Ms. Thistle. “Working in different areas of air and water quality, to contaminated lands and landfills, reviewing and updating legislation, policies and standards, I have been able to enhance my skills and gain new ones that help make a difference in communities.”
Government is working to reduce the cost of education and help students repay debt by expanding co-op and apprenticeship opportunities, eliminating the interest on the provincial portion of student loans and creating graduate scholarships.
For more information and a video feature of a young public servant, visit http://novascotia.ca/psc/jobCentre/ .
Source: Release