PEI Employment Statistics & Overview 2022 – 2023

Accommodations

Accommodations are a large part of the tourism sector. Accommodations on PEI include cabins, cottages, housekeeping units, hotels, lodges, motels, inns, hostels, bed and breakfast establishments, resorts, recreational vehicle parks, trailer rentals, hostels, and campgrounds.

Detailed projections prepared for the TIAPEI Workforce Action Plan indicate that PEI tourism job opportunities will increase by 3% annually over the next four years. The gains projected reflect the recruitment challenges faced by tourism operators due to the expected full recovery and expansion of tourism between now and 2026.

In the action plan, employer recruitment and retention challenges indicated were competitive compensation and benefits, affordable housing and childcare, transportation, and concerns

Aerospace, Defence, Marine and Secutiry sector 2023

The Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association (ACADA) is a collaborative organization representing the interests of the aerospace, defence, and security industries in Atlantic Canada. ACADA is comprised of approximately 200 industry members and organizations across Atlantic Canada.

For a look at the many Career Pathways in this industry, click here

For Job Postings to work with employers in Atlantic Canada, click here

Companies on PEI

• Marine Nav, Panmure Island – www.marinenav.ca
•  AKA Energy Systems, Montague, Pooles Corner, Stratford – www.aka–group.com
• Action Aero, Charlottetown – www.actionaero.com
• StepScan (formerly Vitrak), Charlottetown – www.stepscan.com
• Tronosjet Maintenance Inc., Charlottetown, Slemon Park – www.tronosjet.com
• StandardAero (formerly Vector Aerospace), Slemon Park – www.standardaero.com
• MDS Coating Technologies Corp., Slemon Park – www.mdscoating.com
• Tube Fab, Slemon Park – www.tube–fab.com
• NorCan Marine, Montague – www.norcanmarine.com
• Honeywell, Slemon Park, – www.honeywell.com/en–us/careers

To explore careers in this industry further, click here

Agriculture

Careers in agriculture account for one of every eight jobs on PEI, and the number is increasing.

The PEI Agriculture Sector Council is a non-profit organization which provides a vehicle for effective industry participation in identifying and addressing human resource issues in the agriculture industry.

At the age of 30, Laurie Loane, Executive Director, PEI Agriculture Sector Council, was asked about her career passion for the first time.

“No one had asked me that before. I had to stop and think about whether I was in the right place workwise in my life. What did I want to do every day? What made me get out of bed looking forward to the day and what made me feel good at the end of the day? The first thing I thought of was being directly in an agriculture career, which has been my ambition since I was young.”

According to  WorkPEI Employment Analysis for the province of PEI, 3,700 people worked in Agriculture in as of May 2023 as compared to 3,000 a year ago.

Hiring needs in the agriculture sector across the province

During the busy agriculture season, farmers look for staff. The PEI Agriculture Sector Council lists job opportunities from all over the Island.

Hiring needs in the agriculture sector and Student Job Bonus program

There are many opportunities in agriculture on PEI, and again this year, students in high school and post-secondary can receive a job bonus when working in agriculture.

Sarah Jay is the Employment Officer with the PEI Agriculture Sector Council and the promoter of Team Food Island. “My role is to promote careers in Agriculture along with highlighting our Team Food Island Summer Student Job Bonus Program.”

Jobs in demand on a continuous basis include Class 3A Drivers and class 1 Drivers, Farm Machinery Mechanics, and Farm Labourers.

Some of the most common seasonal job listings are for Truck Drivers and Labourers.

Labourers are needed for cutting seed potatoes and vegetable and fruit planting and harvesting.

Truck Drivers are needed to deliver product to farms and move produce from farm fields to processing facilities on PEI and the Maritimes. A Class 1A license and some related experience is usually required.

Many seasonal positions advertised are Crop Scouts, Administration, and Shipping/Receiving. These positions would be ideal for post-secondary students with some agriculture experience.

“Depending on the commodity, a lot of these jobs are available year-round. There are also jobs in management, science, human resources, mechanics, government, and at agriculture-related companies.”

For more information about careers in agriculture, call the PEI Agriculture Sector Council at 902-892-1091. Visit www.peiagsc.ca

For a list of current agriculture job openings, click here

For more information about this sector, click here

Apprenticeship

What is apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is a unique post-secondary training opportunity to earn while you learn. It is a combination of 20 percent in-school training and 80 percent on-the-job work experience under the supervision of a journeyperson. 

It is a partnership between industry, educational institutions, and government. PEI has 58 designated trades. Being designated allows workers to become certified in a trade through apprenticeship training and/or certification. 

If the designated trade is certified compulsory, you are required to be a registered apprentice or have a Certificate of Qualification to legally work in that trade in PEI. 

The following PEI trades are certified compulsory: 

• Automotive Service Technician
• Construction Electrician
• Plumber  
• Steamfitter / Pipefitter 

For more information about the Designated Trades on PEI, click here. 

For more information, contact Apprenticeship, click here

Aquaculture

Aquaculture industry 2023

The Aquaculture industry grows and harvests farmed seafood, including shellfish and finfish. Aquaculture also drives a thriving processing, packing, shipping, and export industry.

The PEI Aquaculture Alliance is an industry association that represents three separate industries: mussel, oyster, and finfish growers. The Alliance helps members promote the aquaculture industry and is a voice to speak with government about the issues that affect members.

Aquaculture provides jobs year-round, but there can be seasonal variations in work volume.

Students can earn a good amount of money during the summer and during the school year because of the many hours of work available, and wages are increasing a bit each year.

Summer Student Job Bonus is offered to encourage students to work in the seafood and agriculture sectors, click here

For a list of companies in the PEI aquaculture industry, click here.

Job titles in the Aquaculture industry:

• Boat Crew/Worker/Helper/Mussel Socker
• Plant/Processing/Production Worker, including Graders, Strippers, Packers and Baggers
• Research and Development Scientists
• Machine/Heavy Equipment Operator
• Maintenance Worker/Manager
• Plant/Production Supervisor
• Quality Control
• Aquaculture Workers
• Boat Captain/Operator
• Biologist

For more information about this industry, click here

Auto Service & Small & Heavy Equipment Repair

Auto Service & Small & Heavy Equipment Repair 2023

Automobile and heavy equipment mechanics are in demand.

As a result of the short supply of mechanics, some companies are willing to train on the job and apprentice those showing a strong interest and ability.

According to the PEI government website, many trades on PEI are designated, allowing workers to become certified in that trade through apprenticeship training and/or certification.

Truck and transport mechanics Apprenticeship training is now available on PEI. For more information click here.

To read about companies which provide great careers in these trades and educational opportunities, click here

Automotive Dealerships

These careers have good potential and provide year-round employment with advancement opportunities.

According to the Economic Indicators as of Feb 14, 2022 prepared by the Economics, Statistics, and Federal Fiscal Relations Division of the PEI Department of Finance, the sales revenue of new motor vehicle sales was up 14.1 percent, and sales were up 23.8 percent from the previous year.

The PEI Automobile Association (PEIADA) is the only automobile dealers association in Canada which has 100 percent membership of all the new car dealerships in the province. This self-funded, non-profit organization represents the 22 new automobile dealerships on PEI.

Lisa Doyle-MacBain, Executive Director of PEIADA, says new automobile dealerships on PEI have over 700 employees, and an annual payroll of approximately $36 million.

“It’s a challenge finding good quality staff for all positions at the dealerships,” says Lisa. “There’s a misperception that automobile dealerships just sell and fix cars. It’s a big business supported by people with good interpersonal skills and expertise in marketing, sales, finance/accounting, human resources, strategic planning, operations, electronics, inventory control, parts/service, etc.” she says.

For more information about a career in this field, contact PEI Automobile Dealers Association (PEIADA) at 902-566-3639 or e-mail peiada@bellaliant.net

Visit www.peiada.com

To explore career options further, click here

Bioscience

Bioscience is a sector that provides employment for a wide range of qualifications from entry level to PhD.

PEI Bioscience companies focus on:

• Human health & nutrition
• Fish health
• Animal health & nutrition
• Human/animal health diagnostics
• Contract manufacturing services
• Medical devices

Hiring needs within the Bioscience companies on PEI

The PEI BioAlliance is a private sector-led not-for-profit organization dedicated to building the bioscience industry on PEI. 

The PEI industry Cluster includes over 65 bioscience companies, several research institutions, and is home to Emergence – Atlantic Canada’s Bioscience Business Incubator and Natural Products Canada, North America’s first business accelerator. Sector employees now number just more than 2,200 and the industry leaders project, on average, 200 new positions annually aiming to reach a goal of 3,000 by 2025.

Opportunities include Scientists, Researchers, Quality Assurance and Quality Control, Production roles ranging from Process Engineers to Packaging Technicians, and many other manufacturing positions.  

There are also a number of business administration positions in areas like finance, accounting, sales and marketing. And there are some student positions including co-ops and summer placements. 

Those interested in working in PEI’s bioscience sector can submit a resumé to vivian@peibioalliance.com and it will be shared with the senior hiring managers of PEI Bioscience companies.  

Open positions are posted on the PEI BioAlliance website. You can also sign up for job alerts to be the first to hear about new job openings. 

To explore career options further, click here

Boat-building sector

This sector includes companies that design, build, repair and service, and provide materials and equipment for a diverse range of semi-custom and custom boats.

The industry on PEI is relatively small in size and there are about 12 companies on PEI building and repairing boats. Most likely 100 people are employed across the industry, and more are needed.

For more information about the Boat Building industry, click here

Career Development Profession

Career Development Professionals – 2023

Career Development Professionals work with people of all ages to help them manage their learning, work, and transitions.

The goal of career services is to help people to pursue learning and to find work which is personally meaningful and to learn how to manage transitions in today’s ever-evolving labour market, read more

CERIC developed a set of Guiding Principles outlining the many benefits of career development profession: Read more

On PEI, they are employed in settings such as:

• Employment Assistance Services
• Community Sector Network: organizations/agencies- Non-profit
• Labour Market Specialties
• Workforce, Advanced Learning, and Population (government such as SkillsPEI)
• Sector Councils/Associations
• Department of Education and Early Years: career related subjects and supports
• Private Employers: Human Resources departments
• Post-Secondary Education & Training Institutions: Career Services

For more information about industry updates and career options in this field on PEI, click here

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is guided by the shared vision of leaders in fisheries, aquaculture, offshore resources, transportation, marine renewables, defence, bio resources, and ocean technologies to leverage our strengths to solve ocean challenges together.

Today Canada’s Ocean economy employs almost 350,000 Canadians and contributes more than $36 billion to our gross domestic product, with an incredible opportunity for growth in front of us.

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster Newsletter

The best version of herself: Empowering women to enter the STEM field

For more information visit www.oceansupercluster.ca

Construction – Commercial

Construction- Commercial- 2023

Sam Sanderson, General Manager of the Construction Association of PEI (CAPEI) says once you enter the trades there are many choices and options that will continue for a lifetime.

“The trades offer a land of opportunity here on PEI and around the world. Now more than ever before, there is no better time to get into construction than right now.”

According to WorkPEI Employment Analysis, on PEI 7000 people worked in construction as of May 2023.

Generally speaking, all trades in the industry are in demand, including:

Those interested in a career in construction should contact CAPEI’s Human Resource Advisor, at hr@capei.ca or 902-368 3303.                                     

For employment opportunities within the construction industry visit www.workpei.ca and www.islandbuilder.ca

For more information about the Construction Association of PEI, call 902-368-3303. Visit www.capei.ca

For more information about industry updates and career options in this field on PEI, click here

Construction-Residential

Construction – Residential 2023

Alicia Packwood is Executive Officer of the Canadian Home Builders Association– PEI.

Atlantic Canada recorded a steady increase in housing starts in 2022. In 2022, the construction industry on PEI had a total of 6,383 workers. Of those on the residential side, 2,033 workers were building new houses, 620 were renovating homes, while 349 did maintenance.

However, the labour shortage in residential construction remains a challenge across PEI. An estimated 940 workers, or 14 percent of the current labour force, are expected to retire in the next few years. “The industry cannot afford to lose these workers,” Alicia says. “We are working on how we can replace all these people.”

She says many low or no cost training programs and on-the-job training opportunities are available, but there are not enough people to fill the gaps. A BuildForce report says in the next five years, employers will be competing even more to hire Construction Managers, Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers, Drywallers, Painters and General Labourers.

For more information about a career in residential construction or to connect with a CHBA-PEI member, contact Alicia Packwood at 902-393-2093 or email alicia@chba-pei.ca

Visit www.chba-pei.ca

For more information about industry updates and career options in this field on PEI, click here

Creative/Cultural Sector

Cultural/Creative sector 2023

Areas in Culture/Creative:

1. Crafts and Design
2. Live Performing Arts
3. Film, TV and Media Arts Production
4. Interactive Media
5. Visual Arts
6. Music and Sound Recording
7. Museums, Archives, Libraries, & Heritage
8. Writing and Publishing

According to  WorkPEI Employment Analysis for PEI, 2,900 people worked in information, culture and recreation in 2023.

Mark Sandiford, Executive Director, PEI Cultural Human Resources Sector Council (CreativePEI) provided the following information about the economic state of the Creative Sector on PEI:

1. Craft and Design – “Craft is surging back after the pandemic. Design continues to grow with a steady stream of excellent new designers graduating from Holland College.”
2. Live Performing Arts – “This industry is pretty much back to normal after the pandemic. Audiences were craving live theatre and music. We are helping TheatrePEI provide training and mentorships to address the shortage of backstage professionals.”
3. Film, TV and Media Arts Production – “The PEI Film industry is now fully open for business with two big projects in production last year and more in the pipeline for the coming years. There is a shortage of skilled production professionals that FilmPEI is addressing with a range of training programs.”
4. Interactive Media – “The Videogames industry continues the growth it maintained during the pandemic.”
5. Visual Arts – “Opportunities for sales and exhibitions are increasing after the pandemic.”
6. Music and Sound Recording – “Musicians are back to touring both nationally and internationally.”
7. Museums, Archives, Libraries, & Heritage – “Museums are planning new programming but due to seasonality, they are having a hard time finding staff.”
8. Writing and Publishing – “This industry is seeing steady growth and was relatively unaffected by COVID.”

For more information about the Culture/Creative sector on PEI, click here

Digital/Computing Industry 2023

Guide to Computing Careers and Disciplines, click here

This guide provides answers to three questions:

• Why should you consider computing when choosing a career?
• What kind of computing jobs are out there?
• How do you get there? What kind of education pathways will guide you to the computing career you desire?

The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) is the national centre of expertise for the digital/computing economy. Check out their latest report:

Information and Communications Technology Council’s report, Canada’s Growth Currency: Digital Talent Outlook 2023

Most in-demand digital occupations in the Canadian and local & national job postings

In its snapshot of the digital/computing economy labour market, ICTC reported that 6,900 people work in the Digital Economy on PEI as of May 2023 and 2,200 work in Information and Communications Technology. For more information, click here.

Education and skills building

ICTC believes in the importance of developing a highly skilled, educated, and motivated ICT/digital workforce. There are online programs across the country that you can explore. For the list of programs, click here.

Holland College Computer Studies programs, click here.

UPEI Computer Science program, click here.

Academy of Learning Career College Information Technology programs, click here.

To further explore the industry, connect with PEI IT Alliance, click here.

For more about the Digital/computing industry on PEI, click here

Early Childhood Education on PEI – 2023

Full-time, part-time, summer, and year-round positions are available throughout PEI at a variety of licensed early learning centres, and family resource centres.

“So many investments are being made to the early learning and childcare system in Canada and on PEI,” says Jennifer Nangreaves, Executive Director of Early Childhood Development Association (ECDA) of PEI.

“Qualified Early Childhood Educators are needed for this expansion! It is a great time to consider our profession.”

For an in-depth look at becoming a professional early learning educator, click here.

Educational requirements

• Early Childhood Care & Education diploma
• Certified First Aid course
• A vulnerable sector criminal record clearance from the RCMP
• The ability to speak French (if working in a Francophone centre)

Employment opportunities

Jennifer says there are a lot of summer employment opportunities in the sector right now as well as year-round careers. Check out their website for career opportunities at www.ecdaofpei.ca/educators/careers/openings.php

“Volunteering at a centre, working for the summer or becoming a substitute is a great way to find out if working in an Early Childhood Centre is for you!”

Check out the substitute list at www.ecdaofpei.ca/educators/careers/substitute.php

“We would love to speak to anyone interested in learning more about early learning and childcare on PEI. You can email projects@ecdaofpei.ca

“The Early Learning and Child Care Board, through the Department of Education and Early Years, provides certification based on education credentials.”

For more information on certification or to apply for certification, contact Monique McClean, Manager Early Learning and Child Care at 902-368-6518.

For more about the Early Childhood Education on PEI, click here

Education/Training 2023

According to  WorkPEI Employment Analysis for PEI, 6,200 people worked in Educational Services in May 2023.

For more about the Education/Training opportunities on PEI, click here

Finance, Insurance, Real Estate and Leasing 2023

Some job titles under Finance, insurance, real estate, and leasing

• Banker
• Accounting
• Insurance adjuster
• Financial clerk
• Financial and investment analyst
• Realtor
• Sales

According to the WorkPEI Employment Analysis, in May 2023, there were 3,800 people employed in these industries. 

The Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) is Canada’s accounting and business designation. There are more than 600 members and students in this province of PEI.

Careers in Insurance. Whether you are looking to get started with a career in insurance, or already working in the industry, Insurance Institute of Canada have developed career resources to help you get started in the industry and then once you’re in the industry, to help you maximize your career potential.

Prince Edward Island home sales. On a year-to-date basis, home sales totaled 685 units over the first five months of 2023. This was a large decline of 21.3% from the same period in 2022.

For more information, click here

Fisheries

The fisheries sector on PEI includes all wild-caught aquatic species. The sector concentrates mainly on lobster, and also includes other species.

According to the Seafood Processors Association, the industry directly employs over 2,000 people, and indirectly fuels employment in multiple product and service industries. Jobs range in length from six to 10 months in the lobster processing sector. For a list of members to contact for employment, click here.

Work PEI, in collaboration with members of the PEI Seafood Processors Association, has launched a new employment portal for seafood processing jobs at www.workpei.ca/opsi/

Jobs most often run from May until December; however, mussel and oyster production is year-round, and companies often offer benefits. More females are getting into these industries.

Students can earn a good amount of money during the summer and during the school year because of the many hours of work available, and wages are increasing a bit each year. Bonuses offered to encourage students to work in the seafood and agriculture sectors, click here

For a complete list of all the aquaculture and seafood processing companies across the Island who hire for the season and year-round, click here.

Job Titles, descriptions, and opportunities:

• Operations Manager
• Maintenance
• Parts Manager
• Port Captain
• Port Manager
• Forklift Operator
• Quality Control
• Night Sanitation Crew
• Production Line Worker
• Plant Custodian
• Product Manager
• Boat Captain
• Boat Crew
• Production Supervisor – Food And Beverage Processing 
• Fish and seafood plant workers

For more information, click here

Food Processing

This sector ties in agriculture, aquaculture, and fisheries. As a result of staff shortages, these industries depend on foreign workers to maintain the demand for labour.

The Employment Journey produces an extensive list of seafood processing facilities that hire staff each March. Work may be available through to December, depending on the market. Mussel plants typically offer year-round work. To explore each company further, click here

The Seafood Processors Association notes the seafood processing sector alone directly employs close to 2,000 people. The members represents a diverse range of seafood products and provide jobs directly and indirectly for thousands of people on the Island.

Work PEI, in collaboration with members of the PEI Seafood Processors Association, has launched a new employment portal for seafood processing jobs at www.workpei.ca/opsi/

Bonuses offered to encourage students to work in the seafood and agriculture sectors, click here

For a complete list of all the aquaculture and seafood processing companies across the Island who hire for the season and year-round, click here.

Job titles, descriptions and opportunities:

Production Supervisor – Food And Beverage Processing 

Fish and seafood plant workers

For more information, click here

Forestry

Self-employment in forest management can be a great career choice.

Dan Dupont from the Montague area has created his own employment, and is very happy with his choice. Since May of 2018, he has worked with woodlot owners to manage their forests sustainably while making a profit.

“Based on the reception from landowners, the Island could easily support the work of 12 more people doing what I do. “This is the most peaceful way to make a living there is, and it pays the bills very well. In the four months since I started, I have been offered more work than I can get done in my lifetime. I have been approached to manage almost 6,000 acres of woodland.”

More potential for careers in forestry on PEI

Dan is encouraging more people to consider self-employment in this field. “If you are a woodsy type of person, this is a good way to make a living, financially, mentally, and ecologically. You don’t need to have a degree in forestry. You need a mechanical aptitude, and you need to be willing to work alone and unsupervised.”

Forestry could be a bigger resource on PEI

The wood he cuts goes for lumber, pulpwood, or firewood. The pulp/chipper wood goes to the Wood4Heating biomass plant in Ten Mile House on PEI, which produces wood chips that heat many government buildings and schools. Some logs are purchased by Koke’s sawmill in Wood Islands, and studs go to Scotsburn Lumber in Nova Scotia.

“It is too bad we can’t keep our wood on PEI. It would be nice to have a facility to supply our own lumber. Every time we export a load of logs to Nova Scotia, we are exporting jobs as well.

“We have an opportunity and a responsibility to manage our forests properly. A lot of income could be derived responsibly and sustainably. If we respect our forest and understand the positive attributes it can give the local economy, we could become self sustaining and independent in supplying our own wood products and heat demands.

“It’s not a minimum wage job; it’s a good paying career. My father raised us on that career. The work you do in the forest very rarely pays less than $20 an hour. If you have the work ethic and you don’t mind being alone in the woods, this is a great place to be.”

For more information about the Forestry industry, click here

Healthcare

It has become the mission of The Employment Journey to provide awareness of the many opportunities in healthcare on PEI. There are endless choices in the private and public sectors.

According to the WorkPEI Employment Analysis, about 14,300 people are working in Healthcare and Social Assistance on PEI in May 2023.

According to the Labour Force Survey for May 2023, the number of people working in PEI’s Health and Social Services sector went up by 2,400 since May 2022.

A great way to explore healthcare options is to check out the 2020 Guide of Health Professions published by the Government of PEI’s Health and Wellness department. The guide features key information about more than 60 health career opportunities on PEI. This includes 13 different fields, plus health careers in the private and non-profit sectors.

Careers in the health field not listed in the guide above include chefs, service workers, IT support, finance specialists, administrative roles, and more.

More healthcare sector job titles, opportunities & details

Where Healthcare workers are employed on PEI– small sample, click here

For health job opportunities available in the provincial government:

• Recruitment and Retention Secretariat at 902-620-3874, visit www.healthjobspei.ca

To explore the many career choices in Healthcare, click here

Island Technology Professionals (ITP)

ITP is a volunteer-run, independent certifying body for engineering/applied science technicians and technologists on PEI and represents 16 disciplines such as:

• Architectural and Building
• Biomedical
• Bioscience
• Chemical
• Civil

The organization represents the designations “CTech”, “CET” and “AScT” which are symbols of achievement in engineering/applied science technology. The designations are recognized across Canada through the efforts of the provincial associations that make up the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT).

At the technologist level, Holland College offers Electronics Engineering Technology, Computer Network Engineering Technology, Bioscience Technology, and Architectural Technology.

At the technician level, the college offers Construction Technology and Environmental Applied Sciences Technology programs. All programs are nationally accredited by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB).

Bryan Burt works with Network Operations at the provincial government’s Information Technology Shared Services. “Technologists and technicians need two years of experience in their field to earn a CET, CTech or AScT designation,” says Bryan. “With those designations, they are eligible to apply for jobs posted at the Canadian Technical Employment Network.”

Technologists and technicians are employed at companies such as Maritime Electric, Eastlink, BIO|FOOD|TECH, and with the provincial government.

Bryan says the majority of ITP’s members have a civil engineering technology or construction background. “They work with engineers and architects. Employers are looking for a lot of CAD specialists and industrial technicians.”

“Instructors in the Computer Networking Technology program are telling us their graduates are not having issues getting jobs,” says Trent Collicutt, past President and current Executive Staff Officer with ITP and he is an Enterprise Infrastructure Solution Architect with the Provincial Government’s Information Technology Shared Services.

For more information about the Island Technology Professionals, click here

Justice & Public Safety

Career opportunities at the Provincial Custody Programs

• Correctional Officer
• Youth Worker
• Counsellor – addictions, family
• Probation Officer
• Victim Services Management

Demand for Correctional Officers

There are many positions within the division of Corrections Services, PEI Department of Justice and Public Safety.

The most openings are for Correctional Officers. Lately, the government have been having difficulty filling those positions.

In fact, we were told that everyone across the country in this line of work is having problems filling positions. The baby boomers are retiring, and there just are not enough younger people to replace them.

Accelerated Correctional Officer Training Program is a program that has been created to help with the demand and has been offered each year for a few years now. Check out the availability for this training, click here.

For more information about the many career choices in the Justice & Public Safety sector, click here.

Manufacturing

According to the WorkPEI Employment Analysis, in May 2023, 8,400 people worked in manufacturing on PEI.

The mission of the CWB Welding Foundation is to broaden awareness of the career potential and opportunities in welding, and to advocate for a strong and sustainable welding workforce in support of Canada’s economy.

To check out scholarships, awards, bursaries, and more, click here

For a list of open positions across the country in manufacturing, visit www.jobbank.gc.ca/findajob

For a list of local jobs, visit www.workpei.ca 

PEI employers in Aerospace, Defence and Marine

Companies on PEI

• Marine Nav, Panmure Island – www.marinenav.ca
•  AKA Energy Systems, Montague, Pooles Corner, Stratford – www.aka–group.com
• Action Aero, Charlottetown – www.actionaero.com
• StepScan (formerly Vitrak), Charlottetown – www.stepscan.com
• Tronosjet Maintenance Inc., Charlottetown, Slemon Park – www.tronosjet.com
• StandardAero (formerly Vector Aerospace), Slemon Park – www.standardaero.com
• MDS Coating Technologies Corp., Slemon Park – www.mdscoating.com
• Tube Fab, Slemon Park – www.tube–fab.com
• NorCan Marine, Montague – www.norcanmarine.com
• Honeywell, Slemon Park, – www.honeywell.com/en–us/careers

For more about the manufacturing industry on PEI, click here.

Professional, Scientific & Technical Services on PEI

This sector covers a broad range of careers, including:

According to statistics from WorkPEI Employment Analysis, 4,800 people were employed in this sector in May, 2022.

For more about career options, click here

Retail and Wholesale

According to the WorkPEI Employment Analysis as of April 2023, 10,400 people are employed in retail and wholesale on PEI.

Top websites to find PEI retail jobs

• www.workpei.ca
• www.jobbank.gc.ca
• www.careerbeacon.com
• www.workopolis.com
• www.indeed.com
• www.cdspei.ca/jobboard

To explore jobs and opportunities in this sector, click here

Road & Bridge Building and Heavy Construction

Road & Bridge Building – 2023

“The outlook for the 2023-2024 construction season is encouraging,” says Melissa Paquet, Executive Director, PEI Road Builders & Heavy Construction Association.

“Our Association looks forward to working with the new Minister, the Honourable Ernie Hudson, on infrastructure-related projects.”

This industry is looking to employ people for the following positions:

• Labourer
• Heavy Equipment Operator
• Mechanic
• Bookkeeper
• Traffic Control Person (flagging)
• Traffic Control Manager
• Truck Driver
• Landscaper

“Employee commitment is very important. Employers want to invest in people who are willing to stay with their companies for the long-term.

“Anyone interested in working in this industry is welcome to contact the PEI Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association office,” says Melissa. “I can put people in touch with most of the roadbuilding companies in operation on PEI. Job seekers can send me a resumé, and I will forward it to our members.” 

Resumes can be emailed to jobs@peirb.ca

Please indicate your preferred job location and position.

Jobs in road and bridge building:

•           Skilled Labourers

•           Flaggers

•           Heavy Equipment Operators

•           Truck Drivers

•           Heavy Equipment Mechanics

•           Technicians

•           Supervisors and Superintendents

•           Consulting Engineers who design the roads

•           Building Surveyors

•           Estimators

•           Office Managers, Accountants, and Heavy Equipment Dealers

See a list of members at www.peirb.ca/regular-members.html

For more information on PEI Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association, call 902-894-9514 or email info@peirb.ca  Visit www.peirb.ca

For more about the industry, click here

Self-Employment/Small Business

We put a heavy emphasis on start-up information, self-employment initiatives, and small business community supports and resources by compiling a complete list of all the resources available across PEI, click here

We covered a high number of self-employment initiatives in the last few years.

For more information about our coverage on Self Employment, visit www.employmentjourney.com and search self-employment on the menu

Tourism

Typically, the industry provides 15,000 to 17,000 full-time, part-time, seasonal, and year-round jobs.

According to Tourism HR Canada, in May 2023 PEI had 7,900 full-time and part-time employees working in Tourism.

Prince Edward Island tourism employment accounted for 8.5 percent of all employment in the province. Food and beverage services was the largest employer in the sector, and recreation and entertainment had the highest unemployment rate.

According to the TIAPEI Workforce Action Plan from May 2022, looking over the horizon, tourism employment projections are very healthy, pointing to enormous gains in job opportunities by 2026, led by restaurants, conferences, and other hospitality businesses.

Categories of work include:

• Accommodations: Housekeeping, front desk, general managers, and supervisors.
• Food & Beverage Services: Servers, bartenders, line cooks, chefs, kitchen staff, front end workers, supervisors and managers
• Travel Services: Visitor information counsellors and tour guides
• Transportation: Ferry boat captains, airport, taxi drivers, and motor coach drivers
• Recreation & Entertainment: Golf courses, bike rentals, outdoor adventures, and cultural events.

To explore Tourism further, click here

Trucking

We work with Brian Oulton, Executive Director of the PEI Trucking Sector Council, to address a high demand for long-haul truck drivers and mechanics in this field.

Examples of careers in trucking:

• Truck Driver
• Heavy Equipment Mechanic
• Freight Broker
• Driver Trainer
• Dispatcher
• Parts Technician
• Safety and Compliance
• Human Resources

“On PEI, about 4,000 employees work in the trucking industry, and about 2,000 are Truck Drivers,” says Brian Oulton, Executive Director, PEI Trucking Sector Council.

“The most challenging positions to fill are Truck Drivers and Mechanics, although finding skilled people for any role is getting tough these days,” says Brian.

From Sept 18 to Nov 3, 2023, and again January 15 to March 8, 2024, Holland College is delivering Truck and Transport Mechanic/Ag Equipment Technician/Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Apprenticeship in-school training with practical training on specialized equipment from the Truck and Transport, Heavy Duty Equipment, and Agricultural Equipment industries.

To explore further, click here