P.E.I. needs 100s of construction workers immediately

P.E.I. has an immediate need for more than 500 construction workers, says the P.E.I. government, and as many as 1,800 over the next 10 years.

P.E.I.'s non-residential construction sector led the country in 2016 with 12.5 per cent growth, and showed continued strength in the first quarter of 2017.

"Acting now to boost the construction sector workforce will ensure that this growth will continue, while also connecting Islanders to well-paying jobs for the long term," said Premier Wade MacLauchlan in a news release.

In addition to growth in the sector, the government is expecting retirements and major projects to create job opportunities.

The government announced support Friday for the Construction Association of Prince Edward Island to develop a worker recruitment plan.

It also renewed funding for the Trade HERizons initiative led by Women's Network PEI, which aims to increase the number of women in trades. The initiative will support 20 women this year in preparation for trades related training and jobs.

These initiatives are being supported through funding from the Canada-P.E.I. Labour Market Development Agreement and the Canada-P.E.I. Job Fund Agreement. The renewal of Trade HERizonsis worth $183,000, and the recruitment plan will cost about $50,000.

In addition, the government will provide wage subsidies through training and work experience initiatives. That cost will depend on how many people take advantage of the program.

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