NS Power and DEN Collaborate on Training Program

Partnership aims to enhance skills and expertise within the African Nova Scotian community

HALIFAX, NS – Nova Scotia Power and the Diversity Employment Network (DEN) have partnered to offer professional project management training to members of the African Nova Scotian community.

DEN, an initiative of Black Business Consulting, is a social enterprise invested in making sure job seekers have the best chance to qualify for top career opportunities. DEN provides training and workshops for high-demand roles in the technology sector, financial services, management and more.

With funding from Nova Scotia Power, a group of approximately 20 individuals have been selected by DEN to receive Certified Associate Project Management training. The training will take place over the next six months, with the goal to enhance the participant’s skills and expertise in Project Management and achieve their CAPM certification.

DEN also offers job seekers access to mentors who provide advice and guidance on everything from creating a winning resume and developing strong interview skills, to building confidence and becoming a valuable asset in the workplace – all at no cost to the program participant.

As part of Nova Scotia Power’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy, the company is focused on support for programs and initiatives that promote a culture of inclusion, equity and diversity, help remove barriers, and advance education and awareness in Nova Scotian communities.

Through the DEI Fund announced in 2021, Emera and its operating companies have committed to collectively invest a minimum of $5 million over five years to support organizations and initiatives advancing inclusion and diversity in our communities. Nova Scotia Power will continue to work with organizations in Nova Scotia to identify other opportunities for partnership and investment. 

For more information about Nova Scotia Power’s community investments and how to apply for funding, please visit: www.nspower.ca/community.

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Quotes:

“By taking part in the DEN program, I hope to learn, develop and grow. It’s an opportunity for me to gain new professional skills that will help set me apart in my industry.” Nicole Johnson, DEN Program Participant

“As the coordinator of Nova Scotia Power’s Black Employee Resource Group (BERG), I am so pleased that Nova Scotia Power is supporting the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) program that will be offered through DEN. One of the barriers of systematic racism is that African Nova Scotian communities haven’t had exposure to certain opportunities. DEN is focused not only on helping Black Nova Scotians enter the job market, but also to accelerate their career trajectories. The program will help participants boost resumes and provide opportunities for further growth and success.” Matthew Saunders, Continuous Improvement Lead and BERG Coordinator Nova Scotia Power­­­­­­­­­

“This is a great start on our mission to create safe and diverse workplaces for Nova Scotians of African descent. Our goal is to create more partnerships with great employers like NS Power and to continue to provide the tools and resources necessary to job seekers and prepare them for a successful career.” Idy Fashoranti, Director of Operations, DEN

“We’re pleased to be collaborating with DEN on this new initiative to help individuals within the African Nova Scotian Community further enhance and grow their careers in Nova Scotia. We have a focused effort and strategy when it comes to our community investments and to supporting and building a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion at Nova Scotia Power. This partnership is a wonderful step forward in that strategy.” Charlene McQuaid, Vice President Human Resources, Nova Scotia Power

About Nova Scotia Power

Nova Scotia Power Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Emera Inc. (TSX-EMA), a diversified energy and services company. Nova Scotia Power provides 95% of the generation, transmission and distribution of electrical power to more than 525,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers across Nova Scotia. The company is focused on new technologies to enhance customer service and reliability, reduce emissions and add renewable energy. Nova Scotia Power has over 1,700 employees and $4.1 billion in operating assets. Learn more at www.nspower.ca.

About Diversity Employment Network (DEN)

Diversity Employment Network or DEN (a division of Black Business Consulting) is a social enterprise working with a range of external consultants to pave the way for employees to evolve into diversity opportunity employers. Job seekers also work with DEN for access to training and training scholarships, workshops, mentorship and employer matching through interview days and Meet & Greets at no cost the job seeker.

Media Contacts:

DEN

Gordon Blackmore, DEN Consultant
902-426-6692
DEN@bbi.ns.ca   

Nova Scotia Power

Jacqueline Foster, NSP Senior Communications Advisor
(902) 225-4735
Jacqueline.Foster@nspower.ca