Construction - Commercial - THE EMPLOYMENT JOURNEY

The trades offer a lifetime career pathway with many options

According to the Labour Force Survey for PEI, released March 7, 2025 the number of people working in construction rose by 2,200 from Februrary 2024 to February 2025.

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 on 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.”

The Construction Association of PEI (CAPEI) works to promote, foster, and advance careers in construction, while also providing training for those looking to enter the industry.

They help innovate, expand, and improve the industry for over 300 members through partnerships and training, and assist with their hiring needs.

“Most of our members are actively hiring in many areas,” says Mahara Ahmadi, Office Assistant. “We share these jobs with job seekers, students, and those in our programs to show them all the possibilities in construction.”

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Jobs in demand

Sam says Carpenters continue to be most in demand in the sector. “Roofers, Electricians, HVAC, Plumbers and Masons continue to be the key professions that will continue to be available.”

He notes that a specialized skill like masonry is in high demand as renovations at Province House, the West Block Parliamentary Building in Ottawa, and similar projects around the world are on the rise. “PEI is not the only jurisdiction in need of highly skilled tradespeople. It’s happening across Canada and around the world.”

Programs

CAPEI offers training programs such as Youth In Trades, Skilled Newcomer in Construction, and Discover Carpentry. These programs are held at CAPEI’s Charlottetown training centre, offering 80 percent hands-on training and 20 percent classroom time, including safety training.

“To help them get comfortable with construction work, participants are building Net Zero ready tiny homes,” Mahara says. “This is a project we have been working on with the provincial government to help address the issue of affordable housing on PEI. We have participants work on this because it is a great way to get hands-on experience, help build housing, and fight climate change.”

After the classroom portion, participants are matched with an employer to help them develop their skills and gain relevant work experience.

“Our work placements last about eight to 10 weeks, but we often hear that before it is over, the participant has been offered a job with the company they are working with.”

For more information call 902-368-3303. Visit www.capei.ca.

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

How does someone get started in the industry on PEI?

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

Employment opportunities are posted regularly on www.workpei.ca and www.IslandBuilder.ca

Reach out to CAPEI to see what kind of careers are available. Sam identified a couple of pathways into the industry.

“You can take one of the post-secondary Industrial Technology and Trades program choices at Holland College. After graduation, work with an employer and register with the provincial Apprenticeship program to work toward professional certification in a designated skilled trade.

“You can also go directly into the industry and earn while you learn and register with the Apprenticeship program if you want to work toward professional certification in a designated skilled trade.”

SkillPlan- Canada’s construction industry needs to replace over 250,000 retiring workers. Low Canadian birth rates, competition from other sectors and the need to diversify the workforce also make it difficult for organizations to recruit and retain new workers. They work with organizations to address labour demands through skill building and training of new workers, fast-tracking apprentices and helping to diversify their workforce.

PEI Construction news you can use:

Apprenticeship – earn while you learn

To enter the apprenticeship program, a person must:

Be at least 16 years of age
Have a high school completion certificate or equivalent
Be working in one of PEI’s 58 designated trades with a suitable employer
Other eligibility and allowances may apply.

For more details, visit www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/topic/apprenticeship-program

Trades education and training

Holland College offers a number of programs to gain employment in the construction industry
UPEI’s Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering
WILWorks Youth in Manufacturing summer program

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