About AWENS - Mission, Values, History

Who We Are

AWENS is an organization of workplace education instructors who deliver quality Essential Skills and workplace literacy programs to Nova Scotia workplaces. Our instructors also provide pre-apprenticeship tutoring for those entering the trades who may need to update their Essential Skills. 

The Nova Scotia Workplace Education Initiative

AWENS instructors strongly support the objectives of the Nova Scotia Workplace Education Initiative. These objectives are

1. to provide accessible learning opportunities
2. to enhance essential skills
3. to influence the economic and social development of Nova Scotia by providing relevant education that impacts individuals where they work and live
4. to establish a lifelong learning culture in Nova Scotia

AWENS Objective

To provide a forum for the promotion and advancement of excellence in instructional practices by

• creating professional development activities,
• networking,
• responding to trends in the field of workplace education and
• representing the interests of workplace educators. 

AWENS Mission

To promote excellence in the field of workplace education with a vision of a strong professional network of partners supporting workplace education and skill development in Nova Scotia.

AWENS Values

• Collaboration with all sectors and regions of the province and with our partners at all levels
• Forward thinking, awareness of and responsiveness to workplace trends with all our partners
• Support of our membership by providing ongoing contact, networking opportunities and updates
• Commitment to initiatives that support our goals and incorporate our values into their projects

Where it all began: The History of AWENS

AWENS was founded in 1998. It was created using a consultative process with the intent to provide a support network for instructors working in workplace education settings.

With the ongoing support of the Department of Education, and now with the Department of Labour and Workforce Development, AWENS has continued to grow and today offers professional development, certification workshops, and networking opportunities to share resources. Every active instructor has the opportunity to provide input into the philosophy, content and format of the organization.

The Association of Workplace Educators of Nova Scotia (AWENS) is registered as an association under the Societies Act, with the Nova Scotia Registry of Joint Stock Companies, and was incorporated on October 22, 1999.