Digital Nova Scotia (DNS) and Bluedrop Performance Learning Inc. announced the launch of their joint Skills for Hire program. Dedicated to understanding and addressing the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector skills gap, the project will develop an online blended ICT skills program and carve out career pathways for recent graduates, incumbent workers, as well as unemployed and under-served populations. Spanning the province of Nova Scotia and expanding into Newfoundland and Labrador, the project has received $2.5 million in federal funding from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to deliver the project over three years. DNS brings a long-standing history of deep connections and relationships within the ICT and digital technology industries, community organizations, government, post-secondary institutions and over 130 member companies both locally and nationally. Bluedrop, is an innovator in both the development of workplace e-learning and simulation as well as the way large organizations deliver, track and manage training. As the ICT Industry in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador continues to experience unprecedented growth, as does the demand for talent. The two organizations have joined expertise with the goal of building a skilled workforce to meet the need for digital skills in entry level ICT positions. By working in partnership with local employers to understand their entry level ICT resource requirements, the Skills for Hire program will be responsive to these needs and provide program participants with different training paths, to match their interests. Bluedrop will provide the system to manage program applications, develop and provide the online training for the different training paths and host them on their learning management system, Bluedrop360.