As reported on CBC News, the province and P.E.I.’s construction industry are hoping to attract more people into the skilled trades.

A new promotional video was released today, aimed at getting people to think about the industry when making career choices.

The promotional video — that will air on TV and social media — features Islanders already working in the construction industry.

Sam Sanderson, general manager of the Construction Association of P.E.I., said the latest 2019 labour market projections show the industry needs 500 workers over the next five years.

“Right now carpenters is probably the most demand,” he said. “But, there are great demands in plumbing, electrical, landscaping, equipment operators, truck drivers … estimators, senior management. There’s huge need all the way around.”

Kelsey Hubley is hoping to turn her lifelong love of welding into a full-time career when she finishes school.

“Growing up I was always hands on with my dad and my family doing welding and bodywork and I was out in the garage,” she said. “That was fun for me but I thought it had to be a hobby, and I didn’t know that it could be a career.”

Jack Matheson, who is halfway through a 14-week apprenticeship with a local electrical company, said he’s hoping the hands-on experience he’s getting now will help him land a job when he’s finished.

“It’s been a good experience,” he said. “I like getting to work with my hands. Just to kind of get a feel of if you actually like doing the work. If you’re capable of doing the work.”

A construction training program for newcomers is also set to be launched in the next month.

Keep reading on CBC News

 

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