It’s one thing to imagine where you could be in a few years. It’s another to figure out how to get there. Overwhelming? For sure. Good news is, you don’t need to have all the answers. There are tons of great programs that give you support, skills, and confidence to move forward. Check out what’s available and start building a future you can feel good about.
If work feels out of reach or you just need someone in your corner, EDGE has your back. It helps you build real job skills, earn while you learn, and get support for the tough stuff—either in person or completely online.
EDGE is for youth aged 18–26 who are unemployed or at risk and looking to get their start.
Turning 19 shouldn’t feel like being pushed off a cliff. Path gives you steady financial support and someone to check in with, so you can build independence without feeling alone in it.
The Path Program is for youth aged 19–24 (up to your 25th birthday) who are transitioning out of permanent care or a Youth Services Agreement. If you’re under 19 and in care, your CFW Social Worker can help you prepare for the Path Program.
Not sure what you want to do yet? No worries. YDI can help by setting you up with a paid work placement, or by getting you involved in a community project. Either way, you’ll get support to stay in school and build your confidence.
YDI is for Nova Scotia youth aged 12–20 who are a single person or part of a family unit receiving income assistance through ESIA, part of a student family, or connected to Child and Family Wellbeing (CFW). You also need to be in school or planning to return to school after your placement or project.
If you’re ready to take steps toward work or school but don’t know where to start, YEP helps you plan it out. You get a mentor, job experience, and support with everything from certifications to work clothing.
YEP is for youth aged 15–24 who live in HRM and who are a single person or part of a family unit receiving income assistance through ESIA, or connected to Child and Family Wellbeing (CFW).
This program connects you to paid summer work with the Nova Scotia government. It’s a chance to earn money, explore real careers, meet mentors, and get résumé-level experience that can help shape your future.
Inspiring Success is for students in high school, college, university, or technical institutes, who are connected to programs of the Department of Opportunities and Social Development (OSD).
Want a summer that actually sets you up for something? Career Rising gives youth paid work experience, plus training, mentorship, and money toward post-secondary.
Career Rising is for Nova Scotia youth ages 15–19 who are in the care and custody of the Minister of Opportunities and Social Development (OSD) or who are a single person or part of a family unit receiving income assistance through ESIA. Participants must also be returning to school in September, and live in or near participating program sites: Kentville, Bridgewater, Truro, New Glasgow, Yarmouth, Halifax, Dartmouth, Glace Bay, and Sydney/North Sydney. If this eligibility criteria doesn’t describe you exactly but you feel this program is right for you, let us know and we will help you explore the possibilities.
School or work feel overwhelming? This online program helps you build digital skills, earn prizes through challenges, and get support from mentors—then try out a paid work placement in your community.
Skills 2 SucSEED is for youth 15–21 across Nova Scotia who are connected to (or at risk of being connected to) income assistance through ESIA or Child and Family Well-Being (CFW).
Money shouldn’t stop you from going to NSCC. Education Works covers your full tuition, books, fees, and even health and dental so you can focus on learning, not stressing about money.
If you’re under 20, accepted into an NSCC program, and need financial support to succeed, this Education Works bursary could be your ticket.
Want a job where you make a real difference every day? Train to become a Continuing Care Assistant (CCA), with tuition fully covered when you commit to working in Nova Scotia after graduation.
This opportunity is for Canadian citizens or permanent residents who agree to work as a CCA in Nova Scotia’s publicly funded continuing care sector for two years after completing training and certification.
If you’re heading to university in Nova Scotia, this bursary helps lighten the financial load. Eligible students receive this funding automatically, even if you already have scholarships, bursaries, or employer support.
The Nova Scotia University Student Bursary is for Nova Scotia residents enrolled full-time or part-time at a Nova Scotia university, including distance education programs.
Post-secondary costs add up fast, but the cost of your learning materials don’t have to. Atlantic Open Educational Resources (AOER) gives students free access to digital textbooks, videos, audio, and other course materials.
AOER is available to post-secondary students looking to save money while staying fully-equipped for their studies.
If you’re a student living with a disability, these grants help remove barriers so you can focus on learning. Funding can support education costs, specialized services, or equipment you need to fully participate in your program.
These grants are for post-secondary students with a verified permanent, persistent, or prolonged disability who demonstrate financial need through the Nova Scotia Student Assistance Program.
Want to level up your résumé without rearranging your life? SkillsonlineNS offers hundreds of free, self-paced courses designed to help you gain skills employers are actively looking for.
SkillsonlineNS is open to all Nova Scotians who want to strengthen their skills and improve their job prospects.
Thinking about going back to school? NSSAL offers free programs across the province that help learners build the knowledge and confidence needed for work and life.
NSSAL is for youth aged 18+ who are not currently in school and have not completed high school or a GED.
Looking for more than just a paycheque this summer? This program connects post-secondary students with meaningful work at not-for-profit organizations, helping you gain experience while earning money.
Student Summer Skills Incentive is for post-secondary students in Nova Scotia who want hands-on work experience during the summer months.
Planning your future can feel like a lot. Nova Scotia Works School Liaisons are here to help you explore careers, understand the job market, and connect with opportunities before you graduate.
This service is available to high school students across Nova Scotia, along with their families.
Prefer hands-on work to sitting in a classroom or an office? Apprenticeship lets you earn a salary while training for a high-demand career in one of more than 70 skilled trades.
Apprenticeship is ideal for Nova Scotians ready to start a practical, good-paying career in the skilled trades.
Drop us a line if you’d like more info about any of these programs (including eligibility criteria), or if you’d like to learn how to apply. Our program specialists can guide you through the application process and answer all your questions.
