Job-Specific, Short-Term Training Grants for African Nova Scotian Youth

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1 Job-Specific, Short-Term Training Grants for African Nova Scotian Youth Introduction: Education is a fundamental means to help individuals reach their full potential. The African Canadian Services, Department of Education is committed to strengthening the quality of education by supporting activities and programs that improve the education system, involve parents in their children s education and provide all Nova Scotians, especially those who have been traditionally under-served and disadvantaged, with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. This program aims to provide ANS youth with training opportunities and support required to become skilled and productive citizens. The African Canadian Services Division is mandated to provide leadership to the implementation of the BLAC Report on Education. The Division seeks to: increase educational access and quality education for the ANS youth foster knowledge and curriculum supportive of diversity and inclusion support policy and program reforms in both public schools and post-secondary institutions increase positive involvement of parents in the education system, supporting their children s education assist ANS access training to become part of a skilled workforce enhance access to training and education by providing scholarships and training grants By committing resources to education, we can help to address some of the great educational challenges and provide quality learning opportunities. The short-term, job-specific training grants aim to increase the skills and to build the credentials of ANS youth, thus opening doors to employment opportunities. Program Objectives/Goals: This strategic initiative aimed at African Nova Scotian youth is an effort to address skill shortages in sectors such as the trades, information technology, health care and the oil and gas industry. A highly skilled and mobile workforce is required to be able to take advantage of job opportunities in high demand and in economically vital sectors of the Canadian economy. Funding from the Job Training Initiative will contribute to the development of a skilled workforce needed in today s economy. With financial assistance from this program African Nova Scotian youth can access customized short-term training which can open doors to future employment in chosen fields and/or trades. While the program emanates out of the BLAC Report findings, it also matches the Nova Scotia Skills Agenda which seeks to prepare Nova Scotians to fill the expected skills shortage while -1-

2 realizing a satisfying career. The short-term grants fill a gap in the financing of educational or training opportunities less than 25 weeks. It s a collaborative effort to help team up African Nova Scotians with the jobs that are needed, to make sure that the changes in our economy don t leave the African Canadian community behind. Eligibility Criteria: Must have attended a Nova Scotia public school and been out of school for at least one year. Must be 21 years o. Any candidate who had previously received funding (scholarship, awards, etc.) from ACSD may not be eligible for this grant. Preference will be given to candidates who had not received funding from ACSD in the past. Any customized training institutions and/or programs registered with Private Trade School (DOE) will be given preference. All regular (core) programs offered by NSCC are not eligible for this grant. An African Nova Scotia (Black) student is a Canadian citizen whose parent(s) is(are) of African descent and who resides in Nova Scotia. A Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada. Enrolled on a full-time basis. Funding: In an effort to address the training needs of the ANS community, grants will fund a range of short-term, job-specific training. Targeted activities include up to six months of vocational education or on the job training with an offer of employment upon completion of the training. ACSD will award up to a maximum of $5,000 per job training grant.. ACSD reserves the right to fund successful applications at lower amounts depending on the availability of funds, the applicant s ability to access other sources of funding and the cost of the training program. Grants will serve the unemployed, helping them obtain employment that could ultimately result in long-term economic independence. The grants will provide access to a variety of training activities, to prepare individuals for lasting unsubsidized employment. the ACSD may partner with agencies such as BEPC s to provide periodic follow up, and assist the ANS youth to secure lasting employment. The Short-Term Training grant is designed as a last resort for funding therefore applicants who -2-

3 apply must provide official documentation which demonstrate lack of access to the Provincial student loan, and commercial financing. Successful grant applicants must provide their Social Insurance Number, which is required when applying for educational grants. Government recognizes that certain populations and certain high-poverty areas require higher investments of resources over a longer period of time than the average. Therefore, funding will target individuals in need of intensive services: the under-employed, unemployed adults and early high school leavers. Partnerships: Partnerships will be crucial to the success of this initiative. Partnerships include training institutions such as NSCC and the trade schools, economic development leaders, business and industry, and educators who work collaboratively to develop solutions to the workforce challenges and labour shortages facing these industries. Community colleges and other education providers assist in developing courses and curricula to build skills and train workers. The initiative will focus on facilitating at-risk youth and others at risk of long-term unemployment with accessing job-related training through grants. The partners will help individuals overcome barriers that prevent them from securing employment, and facilitate their progress in doing so. The ACSD will work closely with business, the NSCC, unions and industry to target training for real opportunities. That means making training more accessible, through targeted funding. It means partnering with businesses that offer the jobs. To put this approach into action, the initiative has identified 6 sectors that fit within the following criteria: they are projected to add substantial numbers of new jobs to the Nova Scotia economy affect the growth of other industries they are existing or emerging businesses being transformed by technology and innovation requiring new skills sets for workers The sectors include: Energy (Oil and Gas), Automotive, Construction, Transportation and Technology In recent years, the Government has increased opportunities for employers to use apprenticeship training as skills development methodology, combining on-the-job training and academics, to ensure a pipeline of skilled workers. As well the Nova Scotia Government has responded to the projected skills shortages by expanding the NSCC s capacity to be market-driven, responsive to local economic needs, and a contributor to the economic well-being of the Province. The short-term, job-specific training will promote workforce quality, enhanced productivity, and increased economic participation by the -3-

4 African Canadian community. Eligible Uses of Short-Term Training Funds: Applications must meet the following guidelines: Grant funds can be used to train ANS for the jobs in trades and skills sectors Grants are intended for job training activities offered by institutions or business within Nova Scotia Grants cannot be used for general or life skills education activities such as remedial classes in numeracy and literacy, job readiness training such as developing resumes; and acquiring interview skills; job placement costs; GED cost and ALP Application Process: Applications will be accepted anytime throughout the year, however applicants must submit a completed application package (all documents included) at least six weeks prior to the start of their program. As part of the screening process, applicants may be required to participate in an interview. A completed application package must include: completed application form Career Pathway questionnaire form copy of driver s license or birth certificate official final transcript from last high school attended and other educational or training institutions attended official letter of acceptance from the training institution two character reference letters (non-relative) * official letter from NS Department of Education (Student Assistance) and a letter from another financial institution a letter of intent (from potential employer) to hire upon completion of training an up-to-date resume (list all educational and work activities) * (This letter must indicate whether or not you are eligible and/or have received funding) -4-

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