Skilled Trades
The Hidden Job Market: Why Who You Know Still Matters in Western Nova Scotia
By Shelley Bellefontaine, Connector Program Manager You’ve polished your résumé. You applied to every job posting you can find. You’ve refreshed your inbox more times than you’d like to admit. And yet, nothing! If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Across Western Nova Scotia, talented people such as recent graduates, newcomers, and career changers, are…
Western Nova Scotia Labour Market Survey
By: Shelley Bellefontaine, Western Regional Enterprise Network What does the labour market really look like in Western Nova Scotia? We asked the people who know best, the region’s employers. In March 2026, the Western Regional Enterprise Network (Western REN) launched the Western Nova Scotia Labour Market Survey, reaching out to businesses across our region, from…
Building Western NS’s Workforce One Connection at a Time
By Shelley Bellefontaine, Connector Program If we want stronger communities, we need stronger workforce pipelines, and that doesn’t happen by accident. It happens through intentional connection. In my work with the Western Regional Enterprise Network Connector Program, I have the privilege of connecting people with opportunity and supporting economic growth across our region. The Connector…
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…
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…
September Newsletter
It’s September! Time to Hit the Ground Running Call for Board Members: Help Shape the Future of Western Nova Scotia Are you passionate about Western Nova Scotia? The Western REN is looking for private sector leaders to join our Board of Directors. Board Members play an important role in guiding the strategic direction of the…
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…