The West Nova Inclusive Employment Society is now Nova Scotia Works.
An open house was held today at the office in the Pier One complex in downtown Yarmouth.
The office serves those looking for work in this area. There is also an office in Shelburne.
Nova Scotia Works is a province-wide initiative to provide better access to career counselling and job search services, as well as job development, with an increased focus on youth and employer needs.
Local Executive Director Rhonda Zasitko says there were 52 agencies under the old system in the province.
“Now there will be 17 agencies. There is no loss of funding, we had $23 million in funding and that hasn’t changed. Although there is a lot more going to front line staff, and less in administration. So our administration now will be less than 30 per cent.”
Yarmouth has 11 Nova Scotia Works employees and Shelburne has three.
Zasitko says on average they help 20 people a week with employment related initiatives.
Employer Engagement Specialist Julie Walters says they have expanded their services.
“We can do career counselling. if you’re a little unsure of where you should go maybe a skills match-up with your particular attributes. We can look to help you return to school, funding program available. It’s a great service for everybody.”
The Yarmouth office has been active since 1997.
