The Connector Program
Building Careers. Strengthening Businesses. Growing Our Region.
The Connector Program is a workforce connection initiative designed to strengthen Western Nova Scotia’s economy by building meaningful relationships between people and businesses.
At its core, the program helps talented individuals find opportunity and helps employers access skilled, motivated people, whether through professional connections or paid apprenticeship pathways. Rather than relying on traditional job-matching alone, the Connector Program focuses on relationship-based introductions that lead to real outcomes.
This program serves the western region communities from Clyde River in the Municipality of Barrington through to Bear River in the Municipality of Digby, and all municipalities, towns and communities in between.
Two Pathways | One Purpose
The Connector Program operates through two distinct but complementary pathways, each designed to meet different workforce needs while supporting long-term economic growth in our region.
Professional Connector Program
The Professional Connector Program builds bridges between emerging talent and established professionals.
Through one-to-one introductions, Connectees who are post-secondary graduates (including university and NSCC graduates, newcomers, and internationally trained professionals) are matched with Connectors such as business owners, community leaders, managers, and established professionals within their fields.
These conversations help Connectees:
→ Understand local industries and career pathways
→ Build professional networks in Western Nova Scotia
→ Gain referrals, guidance, and insight into opportunities
→ Move closer to employment or career advancement
For Connectors, participation offers a meaningful way to give back while gaining early access to a vetted pool of emerging talent who may be a fit for their organization now or in the future.
Direct Entry Apprenticeship Pathway
The Direct Entry Apprenticeship Pathway focuses on building the next generation of skilled trades professionals by connecting employers with motivated individuals ready to enter the workforce.
Through Direct Entry:
→ Employers are matched with individuals whose highest level of education is high school or equivalent
→ Apprentices are registered with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA) & begin work immediately as paid employees, with a journeyperson on site.
→ Training follows the same certified structure as traditional apprenticeship routes & is tuition-free.
→ Apprentices progress through levels with wage increases and potential incentives.
This pathway supports employers in building long-term workforce capacity while providing apprentices with a clear, paid, and tuition-free route to a recognized trade.
A Practical, Relationship-Driven Approach
What sets the Connector Program apart is its hands-on, locally driven approach. Every match is supported, intentional, and based on real workforce needs. The focus is not on volume, but on quality connections that lead to employment, retention, and sustainable careers.
Whether you are:
→ A professional looking to share insight and strengthen the local workforce
→ An employer seeking talent or apprentices
→ Or an individual ready to build a career in Western Nova Scotia
The Connector Program is here to help make those connections happen.
