Construction outlook for 2020
Over the last year, PEI has led the country in population growth, economic growth, and construction growth. The industry typically employs about 6,500 workers on PEI, and that number had gone up by about 1,000 since last year.
Construction Association of PEI (CAPEI) has 190 active members. “At the beginning of COVID-19, about 60 percent of our member companies were working on construction projects,” says Sam Sanderson, General Manager of the Construction Association of PEI. “Some of those companies were employing about 60 percent of their staff.”
However, there has been a comeback and hiring is still taking place. Some companies scaled back their hiring but many other small to large size companies still have a strong demand for skilled workers such as Carpenters, Plumbers, Electricians, HVAC, Welders, and other jobs.
The best approach for those looking to work in this field either full-time or for the summer months is to send a resumé to [email protected] and to apply to jobs listed on www.islandbuilder.ca/jobs and www.workpei.ca
Riley Aiello is the HR Manager. He regularly meets with CAPEI members and will post open positions on www.workpei.ca and IslandBuilder.ca. “I am working with companies to see what their needs are and what positions are hardest to fill,” says Riley. “I look forward to raising awareness of the construction industry on PEI and helping to attract skilled trades workers.”
“Our members are so busy managing their work such as accounting, estimating, scheduling and staff,” Sam says. “They have told us time and time again they don’t have the time to post a job. We hope the service will promote trades and help match job seekers with employers.”
Youth in trades
CAPEI has administered a Youth in Trades program for 25 years. The program accepts youth at risk and helps them build a trades career.
“The program is tremendous in helping youth get apprenticeships. The Government of Canada has given funding for the next three years through its Youth Employment Strategy to continue the work.”
Salary ranges for PEI construction workers
“For the most part, wages for entry-level positions range from $13 to $18 an hour,” says Sam. “Wages for experienced trades people range from $14 to $22, and certified trades workers earn $25 an hour plus. There is job security, and many companies offer benefits.”
“We are still ‘Building PEI one day at a time’ and facing challenges daily/hourly to maintain our sites, projects and people. Our number one focus is the safety of our workers and their families. When applying for work in this industry, it is very important to
be well educated on how to keep yourself and others safe on a job site with regards to COVID-19.” For more information on safety procedures, click here
For more information about the Construction Association of PEI, call 902-368-3303. Visit www.capei.ca
Construction – Commercial on Prince Edward Island – Company hiring practices
- ADI - Atlantic Door Installation Inc, Charlottetown
- Island Eco Foam, Stratford
- JC Handy Man Services & Sales, Alberton
- Kennedy Metals, Pleasant Valley
- Kent Building Supplies, Island-wide
- Leading Edge Homes, Johnstons River
- McCarthy's Woodworking Western Truss, Elmsdale
- North Rustico Home Hardware Building Centre, North Rustico
- Pigeons Floors & Décor, Montague
- Ravenwood Stairways, Bloomfield
- Red Fox Flooring Warehouse, Charlottetown
- Regal Cresting, Alberton
- Ridgeline Construction Ltd., Long Creek
- Spray-Net Inc., Tracadie Cross
- Spring Valley Building Centre Ltd., Kensington, O’Leary Building Centre Ltd., O’Leary, and Town & Country Carpet One, Summerside
- Thomas Edison Electric, Summerside
- United Rentals, Charlottetown
PEI Commercial Construction hiring update during COVID-19
Summerside Sunbank will generate about 200 construction jobs
Newcomers introduced to the many opportunities in construction
Recruiting challenges and recruiting campaign
Job titles and jobs in demand
PEI Home Show great place to meet employers who are hiring: Thomas Edison Electric and Kennedy Metals
PEI’s construction sector recruitment campaign
Plumbing apprentice loves her new career path
Youth in trades project: recruiting Women, Indigenous People, Newcomers and all youth
Young plumbing apprentice plans to live and work in a booming trade on PEI
Apprenticeship profile: from office administration to carpentry
Prosper West program helps address seasonal employment needs
Recruiting Women, Indigenous People and Newcomers to Youth in Trades Project
Program removes barriers while addressing labour shortages
Home renovation companies hiring for a busy season ahead
Visit www.islandbuilder.ca: Check out many PEI job openings in the construction sector
Finding out about a career in trades is a life-changer
PEI Government and industry addressing construction workforce needs – New Release, June 2, 2017
Heritage Retrofit Carpentry in in demand on PEI
Tips for networking in the trades
Three-year plan to help youth enter the construction field on PEI
Trade HERizons: Helping women choose career paths
Help for employers to recruit, retain, and advance women in trades on PEI
Island Technology Professionals (ITP)
Program for youth interested in the trades
Threads of Life – Association for Workplace Tragedy Family Support
Exploring ways to work in the construction industry on PEI
- “We encourage anyone interested in trades or those who are skilled tradespeople to go to our website at capei.ca to find a list of our great members and contact them directly,” says Sam.
- Visit workpei.ca and IslandBuilder.ca
- Set up a meeting with Riley Aiello at CAPEI, email [email protected] or call 902-368-3303.
- Contact Canadian Home Builders Association-PEI at 902-367-6125.
- Visit chba-pei.ca. The association is happy to speak with anyone interested in the field and to suggest ways to get started in a trade on PEI.
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–and–certification
Trades education and training
Holland College offers a number of programs to gain employment in the construction industry. Visit www.hollandcollege.com/programs
UPEI’s Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering. Visit www.upei.ca/engineering
 | For more information about the Construction Association sector on PEI, call 902-368-3303. Visit www.capei.ca. For more about Buildforce Canada, visit www.buildforce.ca/en. For more about the Canadian Home Builders Association-PEI, call 902-367-6125 . Visit www.chba-pei.ca. |
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| Click to watch videos of the many trades and technology programs Holland College offers across PEI. |
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