Connector Program
Two Paths, One Connection: Direct Entry Pathways
A practical solution for skilled trades hiring: paid apprenticeships for learners and reduced risk for employers. By Shelley Bellefontaine, Connector Program Coordinator Editor’s Note: Hiring in the skilled trades is challenging. And for many individuals, traditional post-secondary pathways simply don’t fit. The Direct Entry Pathway through the Western Regional Enterprise Network (Western REN) Connector Program…
The Western REN February Update
February is all about connection, leadership, and looking ahead. It’s all part of the ongoing work to build a stronger, more resilient economy across Western Nova Scotia. Critical Roundtable Breakfast: Navigating Business Challenges in 2026 Critical Issues. Real Conversations. Regional Solutions. The Western REN in partnership with Yarmouth & Area Chamber of Commerce and CBDC Yarmouth, is bringing together business…
The Power of Networking: How Connections Spark Opportunity
If there’s one thing rural Nova Scotia does exceptionally well, it’s connection. The real kind of connection. The kind built over coffees at the wharf, surprise chats at the grocery store, and those unexpected meetups where someone says, “Hey, you should talk to so-and-so.” Here in Western Nova Scotia, our business ecosystem thrives because people…
The Almost October Newsletter
Things are really buzzing as we head into Small Business Month. More Art on the Dark Sky T’Railway This is a spot known as the Pump House in the Municipality of Barrington in Upper Wood’s Harbour. It pumps industrial water to various fish plants in the area. And it’s gotten an artistic upgrade thanks to…
Your Future, Anchored in the Ocean Economy
Opportunities in Western Nova Scotia’s Blue Economy Explored in 5-part Video Series Western Nova Scotia is defined by the ocean. Generations have built their livelihoods on the water. From fishing and boatbuilding to research and innovation, we have created communities rooted in resilience, ingenuity, and pride. But the story of our ocean economy in Western…
Western REN Launches Community Connection – First Stop: Barrington
At the Western REN, we believe strong relationships start with showing up. That’s why we’re launching Community Connection — a new outreach initiative designed to bring our team out of the office and directly into the communities we serve. Our first stop will be the Barrington Regional Library on Thursday, August 21st from 10 am…
Connector Program Launches New Apprenticeship Focus
Building the Skilled Trades Pipeline – One Connection at a Time The Connector Program at the Western REN has always been about creating meaningful, local connections. Connections between job seekers and established professionals. Now, we’re excited to announce an important evolution: a new focus on Apprenticeships in the Skilled Trades. Serving a Need in the…
Roman’s New Start: A Connector Program Success Story
From War to Welcome: Roman’s Brave Leap In April 2024, Roman Porodko began a bold new chapter of his life as a Connectee in the Western Regional Enterprise Network’s (Western REN) Connector Program. But the road to Nova Scotia was far from easy. Back in Ukraine, Roman held a Master of Science in Radio Engineering…