February 1, 2021 · Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Education and training are key to building and maintaining a healthy construction industry on Prince Edward Island. That's why the Construction Association of Prince Edward Island (CAPEI) makes it a priority to offer quality training opportunities to grow and enhance the sector across PEI.
Federal and provincial support for PEI's construction industry has far-reaching benefits
Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and the Honourable Matthew MacKay, PEI Minister of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture, today announced a combined $213,615 federal and provincial investment for the Construction Association of PEI. This support will enable the organization to carry out renovations and upgrades to an existing facility and create a new construction industry training centre.
The new training facility will help CAPEI further its mandate to support employment in the trades, promote the industry and advance industry-wide efficiency. Having a permanent location with a consistent program to train professionals will improve their learning environment and support recruitment efforts.
Today's announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to support people and businesses throughout the remainder of this crisis and build back better.
Quotes
"I commend the work the Construction Association of PEI has carried out for decades. Addressing labour market challenges in the construction industry is important to reduce skills gaps and further the sector's growth. The funding announced today is a great example of our government helping industry train and develop a highly skilled and diverse workforce to support Canada's economic growth and recovery."
- Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
"We're proud to support the Construction Association of PEI. This investment is a real win for Prince Edward Island, as it addresses the needs of the industry and provides more opportunities for Islanders seeking employment in trades. This facility will help maintain momentum as we enter into another busy year of construction on Prince Edward Island."
- Matthew MacKay, PEI Minister of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture
"It's a very exciting day for us here at the Construction Association of Prince Edward Island. CAPEI is eager to take this next step in industry training programs. With this support from the federal and provincial governments, we will be in a better position to put real tools in people's hands to gain valuable and employable skills in the construction field. While the industry struggles with the shortage of skilled trades, this new program and training centre will help promote opportunities for anyone looking to begin a valuable entry-level career in construction. Furthermore, we are exploring additional options in coordination with our trades colleges, such as apprenticeship /Red Seal and accredited trades programs. We have also partnered with Habitat for Humanity to work together to create project-based daily training, and support for its great work."
- Sam Sanderson, General Manager, Construction Association of PEI
Quick facts
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ACOA is providing a non-repayable contribution of $97,200 to CAPEI to support the creation of a new training centre through the Innovative Communities Fund.
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The Province of PEI contribution is $116,415 through the PEI-Canada Workforce Development Agreement and Labour Market Development Agreement.
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CAPEI works on behalf of its members to advocate for the industry, advance its interests and improve efficiency.
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CAPEI's 11-member board of directors comprises business leaders from PEI's construction industry.
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Formed in 1962, CAPEI has grown to a membership of 194 construction-related businesses.
