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Workplace Education Initiative (WEI)

Q: Who is eligible for the Workplace Education Initiative (WEI) program?

To be eligible for the Workplace Education Initiative (WEI) program, you must: Must be a Nova Scotia for-profit or not-for-profit business, business/sector/industry association, private-sector union, or social enterprise Must be seeking training for working Nova Scotians or entrepreneurs

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Workplace Education Initiative (WEI)?

You can contact Government of Nova Scotia.

Q: Where is the Workplace Education Initiative (WEI) available?

The Workplace Education Initiative (WEI) program is available the province of Nova Scotia.

Q: Is the Workplace Education Initiative (WEI) a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Workplace Education Initiative (WEI) is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Workplace Education Initiative (WEI)?

Workplace Education Initiative (WEI) is funded by Government of Nova Scotia, Labour and Advanced Education (NS)

Last Update: March 4, 2026

Nova Scotia, Canada

Customized, fully funded workplace skills training for Nova Scotians

Grant and Funding

Labour and Advanced Education (NS)

Government of Nova Scotia

Overview

The Workplace Education Initiative (WEI) provides fully funded, customized workplace training programs—typically 30 to 40 hours per course—at no cost to eligible Nova Scotia businesses, organizations, and entrepreneurs, with funding provided under the Canada–Nova Scotia Workforce Development Agreement. The initiative supports skill development in areas such as business, digital literacy, communication, and leadership, enabling organizations to address current workforce challenges and drive productivity and growth.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Integrate new technologies

Improve employee retention

Develop strategic partnerships

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Unspecified

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

All industries

Location

Nova Scotia

Legal structures

Non-profit
Public or Parapublic institution
For-profit business
Sole proprietorship
Social economy enterprise

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

All organization sizes

Audience

All groups

Non-profit candidates

Sector of operation

Economic, Social and Community Development
Employment and Training
Business Associations
Professional Associations
Unions

Target groups

Business owners / entrepreneurs
Nonprofits / charities

Revenue structures

All structures

Scope

Local
Regional
Provincial

Activities funded

Development and delivery of customized business skills training for employees and management.
Implementation of training programs addressing workplace challenges such as communication, change management, digital literacy, and productivity.
Creation of sector-specific or company-specific training clusters to address shared or unique workforce development needs.
Conducting organizational and individual training needs assessments to inform and shape tailored training initiatives.
Support for building a culture of learning and innovation to help businesses adapt, grow, and succeed.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 40,500

Developing a customer service excellence training program

$ 27,000

Training frontline employees with communication skills Level I

$ 54,000

Developing a comprehensive financial fundamentals training for employees

$ 36,000

Creating an e-commerce training program to enhance sales skills

$ 45,000

Developing a cloud computing training program for employees

$ 31,500

Implementing a social media for business training Level I

Eligibility

The applicant must be a Nova Scotia-based business, non-profit organization, sector/industry association, private-sector union, or social enterprise.
The applicant must employ working Nova Scotians or represent groups of working Nova Scotians.
The applicant must be interested in providing customized workplace skills training for their employees or members.
The applicant must be willing to collaborate with a Regional Workplace Education and Training Coordinator to complete an Organizational Needs Assessment (ONA) prior to program delivery.

Who is eligible?

For-profit and not-for-profit businesses in Nova Scotia
Business, sector, or industry associations
Private-sector unions
Social enterprises

Eligible expenses

Costs of instruction for workplace education and skills development programs.
Stipends provided to organizations hosting cluster training sessions.
Fees for hiring independent contract instructors to deliver training.
In-kind employer support (such as paid staff leave, provision of training space, and administrative support).

Eligible geographic areas

Nova Scotia

Selection criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Workplace Education Initiative (WEI) are guided by the alignment of the project with the goals of skill enhancement and support for business growth.

Identification and assessment of organizational training needs through the Organizational Needs Assessment (ONA).
Development of a comprehensive and feasible WEI training plan based on ONA findings.
Engagement and representation of stakeholders within the WEI Project Team, including management, staff, and community representatives.
Alignment of the proposed training with the essential business skills required within the organization or cluster.
Clearly outlined evaluation and monitoring processes for measuring learning and business outcomes.

How to apply

Initial Contact

Contact your Regional Workplace Education and Training Coordinator to discuss your interest in applying for the Workplace Education Initiative.
Discuss your organization’s needs and how the WEI can address them.

Organizational Needs Assessment (ONA)

Work with the WEI Coordinator to conduct an Organizational Needs Assessment (ONA).
Participate in interviews, focus groups, and workplace tours as part of the ONA process.
Review and validate the ONA summary report.

Develop Training Plan

Based on the ONA report, develop a training plan in collaboration with the WEI Coordinator.
Determine the training needs and objectives, and select appropriate WEI programs.

Apply for Funding

Apply for funding through the Labour Market Programs Support System (LaMPSS) with the assistance of the WEI Coordinator.
Submit the necessary documentation and information as part of the funding application.

Organize Training Program

Once funding is approved, establish a Project Team consisting of employees, management, and other stakeholders.
Recruit participants, hire an instructor, and secure space for the training.

Conduct Training

Implement the training program with oversight and support from the WEI Coordinator.
Ensure adherence to the training plan and monitor progress.

Evaluation and Reporting

Gather participant feedback and evaluate the training effectiveness.
Report outcomes to the Department of Labour, Skills & Immigration as per the agreement requirements.

Additional information

Programs are delivered in small groups (8 to 12 participants) to ensure individual attention and meaningful engagement.
Training is typically 40 hours in length and can be scheduled flexibly over approximately 10 weeks.
Regional Coordinators play a proactive role throughout the needs assessment, funding application, program development, and program evaluation.
Host organizations or community partners may receive a stipend for facilitating cluster programs.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Workplace Education Initiative (WEI) Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Workplace Education Initiative (WEI). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Workplace Education Initiative (WEI)?

Who is eligible for the Workplace Education Initiative (WEI) program?

What expenses are eligible under Workplace Education Initiative (WEI)?

Development and delivery of customized business skills training for employees and management. Implementation of training programs addressing workplace challenges such as communication, change management, digital literacy, and productivity. Creation of sector-specific or company-specific training clusters to address shared or unique workforce development needs. Conducting organizational and individual training needs assessments to inform and shape tailored training initiatives. Support for building a culture of learning and innovation to help businesses adapt, grow, and succeed.