Employment Programs & Services

About the Program

The Employment and Business programs and services at ISANS provide tailored support to help immigrants successfully navigate the Canadian workforce and business environment.

Whether preparing for employment before arriving in Canada or adapting to the job market post-arrival, our programs are designed to support newcomers at every stage of their journey. We assist individuals in identifying career pathways, developing job search skills and understanding Canadian workplace culture. For those with entrepreneurial aspirations, we offer guidance on launching and growing a business in Nova Scotia.

We also work with employers across sectors to connect them with skilled immigrant talent, fostering inclusive workplaces that value diversity and expertise. Through individualized support, practical tools and strategic connections, we help build meaningful employment outcomes and strong economic integration for newcomers in Nova Scotia.

For Immigrants

Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival

ISANS provides a wide range of employment and business services to support immigrants before and after arriving in Nova Scotia. These services include:

Career readiness programs to support employment goals
Job search assistance, coaching and employment counselling
Support with résumé building, interview preparation and networking
Guidance on foreign credential recognition
Bridging programs for internationally educated professionals, including: healthcare, financial services, early childhood education, trades and construction, youth employability, Visible Minority Women program, Immigrant Women Entrepreneur Network
Support programs for targeted population, including income assistance recipients and Government-Assisted Refugees
Access to the Atlantic Immigrant Career Loan Fund (AICLF) to support the credential recognition process
Entrepreneurial training and small business support

For Employers

ISANS works with employers to attract, hire and retain immigrant talent by promoting inclusive practices through customized tools and support. Employer services include:

Tailored recruitment and onboarding support
Inclusive workplace training and cultural competency workshops
Access to wage subsidies and incentive programs
Employer roundtables, webinars and community engagement opportunities
Support for integrating skilled immigrants into the workforce
Identify job-ready and relevant talent
One-on-one consultation to develop long-term diversity and inclusion strategies
Access to the SkillsMatch eRecruitment tool to post jobs and connect with qualified immigrant talent

Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive job market where newcomer talent and opportunity meet.

Contact Information

of all employed clients gained employment in their field or a related one

ISANS clients gained employment

clients completed the Trades Practical Assessment 2-year project

Explore What We Offer

Tell us about your journey:

A skilled immigrant engineer woman smiling in front of a construction site

Atlantic Immigrant Career Loan Fund (AICLF)

Micro-loans for skilled immigrants to upgrade credentials.

An immigrant carpenter working with wood

Bridge to Construction

Launch your career with hands-on construction training and safety certification.

A woman worker wearing protective gear in front of shipping containers

Bridge to Work

Improve English, build job skills, complete safety training and gain local work experience.

a multiethnic group of students working on computers in a computer lab

Computer Skills Training

Learn essential computer skills for work, school and everyday life.

A newcomer woman in a session with an employment specialist

Employment Counselling

Personalized support to help newcomers navigate the Canadian job market and achieve their career goals.

Employment Support & Income Assistance Case Management Project (ESIA)

Receive targeted and personalized guidance to secure employment in field.

A male technician charging an electronic vehicle

EVolveSkills: Empowering Tomorrow’s Automotive Workforce Today!

Empowering Tomorrow’s Automotive Workforce Today!

An internationally trained female accountant calculating the bill

Financial Services Bridging Program (FSBP)

Enhance your accounting skills, build connections and prepare for employment in Canada’s financial sector.

An immigrant youth, smiling, and holding a folder of documents

Immigrant Youth Career Exploration Program (IYCEP)

Learn about post-secondary pathways, career planning, and gain Canadian work experience.

An immigrant youth wearing a suit and shaking hands with co-worker

Immigrant Youth Employability Project (IYEP)

Explore careers, gain work experience and learn about the Canadian workplace.

Two internationally trained medical professionals looking at xray

International Medical Graduates (IMG) Bridging Program

Prepare for licensure and build clinical and exam readiness for medical practice in Nova Scotia.

An internationally educated female pharmacist holding medicine bottles

International Pharmacy Graduates (IPG) Bridging Program

Prepare for pharmacy licensure in Canada through structured study groups, OSCE preparation and targeted career support.

Support Services

Note: Not all clients are eligible to access all support services, please confirm with the program coordinator.

Care for Newcomer Children– Long Term Care Program

Interpretation/Translation

Disability Support

Care for Newcomer Children– Short Term Care Program

Digital Navigation

Tech Lending Library

Impact Stories

David Asare’s success as automotive service technician in Canning

“The WTPA program helped me start my career as a mechanic in Nova Scotia, where I could apply the skills and experience I earned back home. ISANS supported me every step of the way, from connecting me with an employer to providing safety shoes, tools, and everything I needed to begin working.”