Vocational/Workshop Program

The vocational/employment program is located at 63 Shreve St in the Town of Digby.  The Workshop provides supported skill development in all aspects of firewood processing including:  safety; use of the firewood processor, wood splitters, chain saws; making of kindling, measuring cord wood, delivery of wood, etc.

As well, there is a lumber mill on site and a wood working shop.  This operation supplies milled lumber to the public as well as finished wood products both for the public as well as for a few local businesses.

If your electronic product (including computers, cellphones, batteries) has reached its end-of useful life, residents and businesses in Nova Scotia can recycle these electronics, free of charge through industry-led stewardship programs.  The Electronics Recycling drop off, located at the Workshop at 63 Shreve Street, provides individuals supported within Conway’s programs the opportunity to learn about recycling and to participate in aspects of dis-mantling, sorting, packaging and shipping of the electronics products.

In addition to the wood program, other vocational and employment training options include:  literacy and numeracy skills, job readiness, communication, team building, relationships & sexuality, self-advocacy, safety on the job, etc.

Conway Workshop has a food preparation training program in which participants learn all aspects of safe food preparation and serving.  Healthy, home cooked meals are planned and prepared each day with support from staff.  These meals are sold for a nominal fee to staff and clients that attend the workshop.  The revenue from this program is put directly back into the meal program in order to fund all supplies and groceries required to keep it sustainable.

There is also a very active supported employment program.  This program provides an individualized approach to finding and maintaining competitive and supported employment. Services focus on an individual’s strengths and goals to develop a comprehensive plan for employment. Services encourage community participation and developing relationships within the community. Supports could include but are not limited to:

  • Maximizing an individual’s physical, material and emotional well-being
  • Enhancing personal development and self-determination
  • Developing community connectedness
  • Employment skills training
  • Life skills training
  • Applied/practical learning experiences
  • Career planning
  • Assessments to determine employment goals and strengths
  • Employee-to-job matching
  • On-the-job training
  • Employer support and consultation
  • Development of accommodations and compensatory strategies
  • Ongoing job maintenance support for employee and employer
  • Developing natural supports