Learn about the N.S. program aimed at helping people get back into the workforce

A Maritime employment fair appeals to more seasoned job seekers.

Applying for jobs can be overwhelming at the best of times.

For those updating their resume for the first time in decades, it can be even more daunting. In Nova Scotia, there’s a workshop that can help people from all backgrounds.

“It’s everything from they got laid off last week and they’re in the program today, to they haven’t worked for 20 years for whatever their reasons are,” said Philip Cantrill, executive director of Job Junction Nova Scotia Works.

The Older Wiser Labourforce workshop (OWL) caters to those 45 and older.

“The program has helped them understand really who they are, what they are really looking for,” said Cantrill. “It is everything from very professional higher-level jobs to entry level opportunities that they’re looking for.”

The program has been around for 15 years and has evolved along with the job market. Now it even includes a hybrid component which allows people from across Nova Scotia to participate.

“We had clients from Chester. We had clients from Digby, from Cape Breton,” said Ömercan Duna, group services coordinator with Job Junction Nova Scotia Works.

The latest OWL workshop started Monday and will run for the next five weeks. It gives prospective workers the tools they need to find jobs.

“How do I get my resume to the top of the pile? How am I going to allow my voice to be heard?” said Cantrill.

“We can really tailor and niche our approach to their specific needs,” said Duna.

While getting a job is the goal, participants may walk away with more. “A sense of community that their experiences are shared. People are in maybe similar contexts, going through similar situations. To be able to share that, to relate,” said Duna.

Job Junction Nova Scotia Works said the OWL program has an 80 per cent success rate.

“It feels awesome. It’s very humbling. It’s a tremendous honour to be some sort of a positive influence, resource in their path, in their journey,” said Duna.

There are typically eight OWL workshops a year.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page