Exploring the Nova Scotia Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive (WIPSI)

The Nova Scotia Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive (WIPSI) grants help businesses enhance workforce skills, improve productivity, and foster innovation by covering a portion of training costs. Here’s an overview:

1. Overview of WIPSI

WIPSI is a government-backed initiative designed to support businesses in Nova Scotia with employee training, helping them to boost workforce capabilities and adopt innovative practices. It is particularly beneficial for businesses focused on:

  • Training employees in new technologies, leadership, and specialized skills.
  • Improving productivity and driving workforce innovation.
  • Supporting business growth and competitiveness in global markets.

This program is cost-sharing, where the government funds a percentage of the training costs, and businesses cover the remaining portion.

2. Funding Amount

The WIPSI grant covers varying portions of training costs depending on the size of the business:

  • For SMEs: Up to 100% of direct training costs, including:
    • Tuition fees
    • Instructor fees
    • Materials
    • Travel and accommodation costs
    • Employee wage subsidies during training
  • For Large Businesses: Typically covers 50-75% of eligible expenses, with businesses contributing the remaining costs.

3. Eligibility Criteria

  • Business Size: Must be a registered business in Nova Scotia, including private businesses, non-profits, and industry associations.
  • Employee Training Focus: Training must be designed to enhance productivity and innovation, including technical skills, leadership, or process improvements.
  • Priority Industries: Includes manufacturing, technology, healthcare, tourism, hospitality, and trades.
  • Funding Contribution: Employers must co-fund a portion of training costs (either financially or in-kind).

4. Eligible Training Programs & Costs

The grant supports various training programs, such as:

  • Leadership & Management Training
  • Technical & Industry-Specific Skills
  • Process Improvement & Innovation
  • Health & Safety Certification
  • Customer Service & Sales Training

Covered expenses include:

  • Tuition, instructor fees, and materials
  • Travel and accommodations for training outside Nova Scotia
  • Wage subsidies for employees during training

Note: General onboarding training is not eligible.

5. How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply:

  1. Identify Training Needs – Assess workforce skills and find relevant training providers.
  2. Gather Required Documents – Prepare documents such as business registration, a training plan, and employee details.
  3. Submit the Application – Submit through Nova Scotia’s Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration.
  4. Application Review – Applications are evaluated based on relevance to business productivity, innovation, and workforce development.

6. Success Tips

  • Align training with business growth goals to showcase how it will improve productivity.
  • Choose reputable training providers to improve chances of approval.
  • Highlight innovation and how training will give employees a competitive edge.
  • Demonstrate long-term impact and how it supports business expansion.

7. Additional Benefits

  • Enhanced workforce skills lead to improved efficiency and productivity.
  • Increased competitiveness through advanced technologies and operational improvements.
  • Stronger employee retention by investing in skill development.
  • Access to further grants for additional workforce development.

8. Why Apply for WIPSI?

WIPSI offers businesses a cost-effective way to enhance employee skills, adopt innovative practices, and boost overall performance. It’s an invaluable resource for Nova Scotia-based companies looking to gain a competitive edge.

Ready to Apply? Visit the official Nova Scotia Labour, Skills, and Immigration website to get detailed application instructions and deadlines.