Host Chapter: Annapolis Valley, Pictou County, South Shore, Truro • Categories: Adults, Children and Youth
EmploymentWorks Sinneave
A 1-year pre-employment program for Autistic job seekers, offered in-person and online across Nova Scotia. EmploymentWorks helps participants build job skills, explore careers, and prepare for long-term employment through structured learning, job sampling, and personalized support.
Who Can Apply
- Ages 15 – 64
- Identify as Autistic (self or medical diagnosis)
- Legally entitled to work in Nova Scotia
Locations:
In-Person (Hybrid): Annapolis Valley, South Shore, Truro
Self-Paced (Online): Available province-wide
Program Format
EmploymentWorks is delivered over 12 months in three phases:
Phase 1: Skill Building & Exploration
- Complete online modules
- Participate in job sampling with local businesses
- Meet 1:1 with Autism Nova Scotia program educators
- Optional workshops and module support sessions available
Phase 2: Employment Preparation
- Phase 2: Employment Preparation
- Continued 1:1 coaching
- Support with job searching, applications, and interviews
- Help prepare post-secondary applications
- Connections to employment agencies
- Access to funding for skills training (e.g. First Aid, Food Safety)
- Support in accessing paid job sampling opportunities
Phase 3: On-the-Job Support
For participants who gain employment:
- Access to equipment and workspace enhancements
- Job coaching to support adaptation and success
- Wage support for employers to assist with onboarding and training
Self-Paced Option
Designed for flexible, independent learning:
- 12 online modules with guided practice
- Simulated job sampling experiences
- 1:1 support from Sinneave program staff
- Group discussions and optional drop-in sessions
- Career exploration tools and job-seeking guidance
- Access to Phase 2 and Phase 3 supports
How to Apply
In-Person: Apply here
Self-Paced: Apply here
Contact:
Melissa Chisholm, Program Educator: mchisholm@autismns.ca ● 902-601-1879
Acknowledgements
EmploymentWorks is made possible in Annapolis Valley, South Shore, and Truro with support from the Sinneave Family Foundation.
