There is a wide variety of job options in this industry.
These careers have good potential and provide year-round employment with advancement opportunities.
According to a recent report from Atlantic Economic Council, Sales of electric vehicles in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island remain brisk, up 69% in 2023 compared to the previous year. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid sales were up 105% in those two provinces in 2023. Gasoline power vehicle sales are still growing by 12% in 2023 but much slower than those with lower or no emissions.
According to Statistics Canada the number of motor vehicles sold in Prince Edward Island increased by 12.8% between December 2023 and December 2024 and was 591 units. Nationally, the number of motor vehicles sold in Canada increased 5.2% over the same period.
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
Automotive Dealerships – news you can use
According to the Department of Workforce, Advanced Learning and Population provincial government website, many trades on PEI are designated, allowing workers to become certified in that 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; and
- Steamfitter / Pipefitter
For more information about the Designated Trades on PEI, click here.
Education & training
Holland College Automotive Technology program
Business in the Open Podcast – Join Vanessa Smith of Refy Agency as she talks to entrepreneurs on PEI in the Automotive Dealership sector:
Occupational Profiles
WorkPEI provides a searchable directory of occupations which includes job outlooks for PEI. Use the Occupations Directory to search and download over 500 occupational profiles.
PEI Employers
WorkPEI maintains a searchable directory of its member employers. View an employer’s company profile to learn more about the business, browse active job listings, locate the business on a map and more.
Related vidoes:
Trades and technology programs Holland College offers across PEI
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