Skills Development Program helps upgrade skills, restart careers
Markus Samland has always had a knack for technology. There’s something about bringing an analytical lens to a project; shaping it and watching how it can change the way we do things.
His interest started early. Markus’s father was an electronics technician, and he was keen to follow in his footsteps as his curiosity about electronics architecture grew.
“With an interest in technology, I felt I had an advantage in computers and perused further education on the subject,” said Markus.
Markus worked for five years at a successful technology firm, but because the IT world is constantly evolving, he was left with non-transferable work experience. He found himself struggling to find meaningful and sustainable employment. Markus realized that to stay relevant in his field, he needed fresh, pertinent skills.
Markus visited the local Nova Scotia Works centre, where he was connected to a Career Practitioner, who is experienced in providing employment services and programs and has in-depth knowledge of the Nova Scotia labour market.
He introduced Markus to the Skills Development Program and helped him research re-training opportunities for a well-rounded skillset for Nova Scotia’s ever-changing IT world.
The program connected Markus to the IT Data Analytics diploma program at NSCC and offered the financial assistance he needed to restart his career.
“The Skills Development Program provided hope and security while I tackled re-training. The fact that I will be graduating with a fresh diploma applicable to current industry needs allows me to start planning for my future.”
Markus will graduate next month.
“I find it fascinating to take large amounts of data and convert an otherwise obscure representation of information into a clear understanding of the true meaning of that raw data. Upon completion of my diploma, I would like to explore medical data to create usable information regarding health-care data.”
The Skills Development Program provides training for Nova Scotians from all walks of life who need to learn basic to advanced skills to improve their employment prospects.
The program is delivered by Employment Nova Scotia, a division of the Department of Labour and Advanced Education and supports those unemployed who are eligible for the Labour Market Development Agreement. The full-time training may be offered through public or private sources.
Learn more about the Skills Development Program.
