NOVA SCOTIA
START
PURPOSE: To encourage employers to hire individuals needing work experience or apprenticeship support.
MINISTRY
Department of Labour and Advanced Education, Government of Nova Scotia
DESCRIPTION
The START program was designed to meet the needs of both employers and those seeking employment. Financial incentives are provided to employers with a labour need willing to support ready-to-work Nova Scotians. Incentives vary depending on the type of employment offered, the skill level of the employee and also include a retention bonus.
The program focuses on small-to-medium size Nova Scotian businesses as a priority, but makes exceptions where labour market or economic conditions warrant.
Increasing amounts of incentives are negotiated with employers based on several factors including client skill levels; needs and barriers; representation in the workforce; the location of the employer; the sector; the job supports; the situation in the local labour market; and the need of the employer. START incentives may be spent on wages, training, or other costs associated with hiring a new employee.
The START program also focuses on increasing completion rates for apprentices in Nova Scotia. Employers who are signing a new apprenticeship agreement are eligible to apply and may receive incentives in each year for the duration of the apprenticeship agreement. This is dependent upon the apprentice progressing through the required work hours and classroom training.
This program is delivered through the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.
RESULTS
Since its inception in October 2012, The START program has supported 1,257 clients and 954 businesses.
An evaluation of the pilot period indicates that stakeholders uniformly support the broad client eligibility criteria established for the START program and the flexibility inherent in designing an intervention customized to both the client’s present circumstances, as well as the employer’s capacity to provide training. In addition, there is a tangible feeling that this program has been highly successful in changing the culture of wage subsidy programs.
By avoiding a ‘one size fits all’ approach and by enabling staff and service providers delivering the program to customize it to the circumstances necessary to achieve success, staff enthusiastically reported feeling empowered.
FURTHER INFORMATION
START | Employment Nova Scotia
