Learning and Development
Sound human resource management is as critical to the effective development and implementation of government policies and programs as the management of financial and capital resources. The development of human resources, in accordance with organizational goals, is recognized as an essential component of human resource management and an accepted cost of government operations. Management will support training as necessary and appropriate in order to meet job requirements, personal development objectives, and safety obligations.
For more information on the training and development programs offered corporately, go to the Training and Development page of the PSC website
Mandatory and Other Recommended Courses
The Government of Nova Scotia has identified “ To Be a Learning Organization” as one of its goals in the Corporate Human Resource Plan to ensure that skilled and knowledgeable employees provide high quality public service. Hence, it is committed to providing learning and development opportunities that effectively link performance management, development plans, and career paths for employees throughout the organization.
As a starting point, new employees are required to take the following courses through the Corporate Training Calendar, LearnNet during the first few months in their position:
- Diversity and Employment Equity
- Respectful Workplace
- Introduction to Occupational Health & Safety
Tip: The Corporate Training Calendar offers a number of courses covering a variety of topics from workplace skill development to leadership skills. Speak to your manager about mandatory and other courses you should be taking.
Management and Leadership
Management & Leadership includes programs and tools that will support and enhance employees’ leadership capabilities to enable them to realize their career goals and perform effectively in the workplace.
What is the 360 Leadership Assessment?
A 360° Leadership Assessment is a process that enables employees to gather confidential performance feedback from those they work with and compare it with their own perception of their performance. The feedback is gathered from multiple sources such as their manager, peers, and direct reports using a customized survey which is designed based on the leadership competencies.
For more information,
Tip: Check out the leadership competency dictionary
What is the Leadership Career Path Model?
The Leadership Career Path Model is an online informational tool developed to assist employees with their career development planning. Employees will be able to use this tool to find out more about the different steps or levels within both the Managerial and Professional Pathways and to get ideas on development activities and resources that will help them create their Career Development Plan and achieve their career goals.
If you are interested in moving into a leadership position and are looking for ideas on developing your career, or learning more about the different levels of leadership opportunities within government, visit this link.
Mentoring and Coaching
Mentoring is a key strategy supporting the Corporate HR Plan and has a significant impact on both individual and organizational effectiveness. In the absence of a formal corporate mentorship program, the Nova Scotia Public Service Commission Innovation & Growth team designed a guide for mentoring to support the leadership and career planning and development of managers and professional employees based on the public service values of respect, integrity, diversity, accountability, and the public good.
Career Opportunities
There are hundreds of job opportunities within the Nova Scotia public service each year, and we are committed to finding the most qualified people for these jobs. Our Fair Hiring Policy ensures that everyone who applies for a job with us is considered in a fair and consistent way.
Fair hiring refers to a consistent approach to posting jobs, accepting and reviewing applications, determining qualified candidates for interviewing (and if applicable, testing), scoring for interviews and tests, checking references, and selecting the successful candidate. It also means ensuring all aspects of selection (application reviews, interviews and tests) are related to the qualifications outlined in the job posting.
When you join the provincial public service, you will come to find out that public servants are doing great things across this province! Visit www.gov.ns.ca/careers to explore the various opportunities available to you.
