Forestry Industry Resources

For employers and professionals in the trucking industry.

Trucking Sector Supports

for those affected by the closure of Northern Pulp

We want to help keep businesses operating, keep people working, and keep skilled people here in Nova Scotia. We know you want to get back to work, so let’s work together to get you there. There are many government programs and services in place to help trucking sector workers find new jobs or get retrained.

Nova Scotia Works Employment Services

Nova Scotia Works Employment Services Centres are operating virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff are now available by phone or video chat to help you find a job or get retrained for another career, and help businesses connect with skilled workers.

Some virtual services include:

  • career coaching, information, workshops and counseling
  • job search assistance
  • access to short-term training (certifications)
  • information on community resources
  • access to financial support for training, if you’re eligible.

Call your local Nova Scotia Works centre for more information:
https://novascotia.ca/works/

Funding for work or education

Government offers funding to help unemployed Nova Scotians find jobs or get retrained. These programs include:

  • Skills Development Program – helps you take occupational training and adult learning programs to develop marketable skills
  • START Program – a hiring incentive you can use to promote yourself to prospective employers
  • Self-Employment Benefit Program – offers financial support and business counselling to develop and implement your business idea
  • SkillsonlineNS – offers thousands of free online training courses to all Nova Scotians
  • Adult learning programs – offer free programs for adults who want to improve essential skills and/or work towards a high school equivalency or diploma

To discuss these opportunities listed above, please contact your local Nova Scotia Works centre:
https://novascotia.ca/works/

  • Apprenticeship Program – registered apprentices can receive Employment Insurance (EI) benefits and allowances while they’re training
  • Fast Forward Program – you can receive Employment Insurance (EI) benefits until your claim ends while you’re enrolled in a training program
  • Job Creation Partnership Program – a work experience program that hires unemployed people to work on community-based projects with local organizations

To discuss these opportunities listed above, please call Employment Nova Scotia: 1-877-223-0888

Apprenticeship training for  workers across the Forestry Sector

In partnership with NSCC, the Forestry Sector Apprenticeship Initiative can connect you to opportunities in the skilled trades. This program provides free one-on-one career counseling and a skills training plan customized to your individual needs at no cost to you.

Supports may include:

  • connecting apprentices with other employment opportunities so they can work toward their trade certification
  • trade refresher programs for those who have earned practical hours in a trade but without technical training. This would provide gap training and prepare candidates to challenge for trade certification
  • training for certified journeypersons who have practical experience in a related second trade and want to pursue trade certification or endorsements in that trade
  • enhanced direct-entry programs to help move interested employees into an apprenticeship opportunity
  • referring individuals who need longer-term training to career counseling supports at NSCC

Workers who are interested can contact the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency by calling 1-800-494-5651 or visiting the website to apply at https://nsapprenticeship.ca/

Trucking Human Resource Sector Council

The Trucking Human Resource Sector Council is a free resource for both employees and employers in the trucking industry that addresses the industry’s human resource issues in partnership with various stakeholders.

  • Driver Certification Program – this program is available to professional drivers seeking recognition as a certified professional driver. This program assesses your current skills, identifies any training needs and provides a recognition for your current skills and abilities.
  • Virtual Reality Training – this training tool
    is available to professional drivers wanting to enhance their skills in various professional driving scenarios.

Interested in learning more? Please visit www.thrsc.com or call 1-877-858-1908.

Call if you need support

Workers and businesses who have questions or need help
Toll-free: 1-888-315-0110
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:00pm

Workers who need emergency funding due to a lay-off
Toll-free: 1-833-424-8849

Professional counselling support and referral to related community resources, provided by Morneau Shepell
Toll-free: 1-866-885-6540
24 hours a day, seven days a week in both English and French

Help to find services and programs offered by local community groups, non-profits and government departments
Call or text 211
24 hours a day, seven days a week in both English and French

Trucking Supports Fact Sheet