The graph and details above are from WorkPEI, using the North American Industry Classification- NAIC, shows the number of people employed in the many industries on PEI, which gives an indication of the many career choices on PEI.
Summary of categories of work under many industries, click here.
Outlook for PEI in 2022: A brighter provincial & regional economic future
Take a look at what PEI industry representatives say about the many employment options – read below:
During the past year The Employment Journey covered many articles on the following sectors/industries and gained valuable information about the employment opportunities that exist on PEI.
Read about all of the career options that exist in each Sector/Industry on PEI.
Accommodations

Accommodations is a large part of the tourism sector. Accommodations on PEI include cabins, cottages, housekeeping units, hotels, lodges, motels, inns, hostels, bed and breakfast establishments, resorts, recreational vehicle parks, trailer rentals, hostels, and campgrounds.
Tourism Indicators from the PEI Department of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture report that total overnight stays on the Island have decreased sharply since the pandemic began. In January and February 2022, 28,956 room nights were sold on PEI, which was a decrease of 6.1% percent from the year before.
According to Statistics Canada for the province of PEI, 4,600 people worked in Accommodations and Food Services in January 2021, compared to 4,100 the year before.
According to the PEI Labour Force Survey, between May 2021 and May 2022, the number of people working in accommodations and food services rose by 1,100 on Prince Edward Island.
For more information about this sector, click here
Agriculture

Careers in agriculture account for one of every eight jobs on PEI, and the number is increasing.
The PEI Agriculture Sector Council is a non-profit organization which provides a vehicle for effective industry participation in identifying and addressing human resource issues in the agriculture industry.
At the age of 30, Laurie Loane, Executive Director, PEI Agriculture Sector Council, was asked about her career passion for the first time.
“No one had asked me that before. I had to stop and think about whether I was in the right place workwise in my life. What did I want to do every day? What made me get out of bed looking forward to the day and what made me feel good at the end of the day? The first thing I thought of was being directly in an agriculture career, which has been my ambition since I was young.”
According to Statistics Canada for the province of PEI, 3,600 people worked in Agriculture in 2021.
Hiring needs in the agriculture sector across the province
During the busy agriculture season, farmers look for staff. The PEI Agriculture Sector Council lists job opportunities from all over the Island.
Some of the most common seasonal job listings are for Truck Drivers and Labourers.
Labourers are needed for cutting seed potatoes and vegetable and fruit planting and harvesting.

Truck Drivers are needed to deliver product to farms and move produce from farm fields to processing facilities on PEI and the Maritimes. A Class 1A license and some related experience is usually required.
Many positions listed are seasonal, such as Crop Scouts, Administration, and Shipping/Receiving. These positions would be ideal for post-secondary students with some agriculture experience.
“Depending on the commodity, a lot of these jobs are available year-round. There are also jobs in management, science, human resources, mechanics, government, and at agriculture-related companies.”
The Farm Team Bursary offers $1,000 for grades 10, 11 and 12 students and $2,000 for university and college students.
For more information about careers in agriculture, call the PEI Agriculture Sector Council at 902-892-1091.
Visit www.peiagsc.ca
For a list of current agriculture job openings, click here
For more information about this sector, click here
Apprenticeship

According to the Department of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture provincial government website, many trades on PEI are designated, allowing workers to become certified in that trade through apprenticeship training and/or certification.
If the designated trade is certified compulsory, you are required to be a registered apprentice or have a Certificate of Qualification to legally work in that trade in PEI.
The following PEI trades are certified compulsory:
- Automotive Service Technician;
- Construction Electrician;
- Plumber; and
- Steamfitter / Pipefitter
For more information about the Designated Trades on PEI, click here
This snapshot looks at data and projections generated by the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum and identifies trades in demand for years 2020 through to 2024:
https://caf-fca.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/2020_LMISnapshot_FutureApprentices_final.pdf
For more information on Apprenticeship on PEI, click here
Aquaculture

The Aquaculture industry grows and harvests farmed seafood, including shellfish and finfish. Aquaculture also drives a thriving processing, packing, shipping, and export industry.
The PEI Aquaculture Alliance is an industry association that represents three separate industries: mussel, oyster, and finfish growers. The Alliance helps members promote the aquaculture industry and is a voice to speak with government about the issues that affect members.
Aquaculture provides jobs year-round, but there can be seasonal variations in work volume. The weeks running up to Christmas can be very busy, but winter can be a low period. Processors are still in operation, but once the ice sets in, labour work is cut back. In spring, things gear up again.
Students can earn a good amount of money during the summer and during the school year because of the many hours of work available, and wages are increasing a bit each year. Bursaries offered to encourage students to work in the seafood and agriculture sectors, click here
Education options:
UPEI: Canadian Aquaculture Institute
Nova Scotia Community College: Marine course
New Brunswick Community College: Aquaculture Operations
Dalhousie University: Aquaculture
For a list of jobs available in PEI aquaculture, visit the jobs page on the PEI Aquaculture Association website at www.aquaculturepei.com/employment.php
For a list of employers, visit www.aquaculturepei.com/suppliers-list
For more information about this sector, click here
Auto Service & Small & Heavy Equipment Repair

The Employment Journey speaks with companies that provide great insight into the many career opportunities in this field. Automobile and heavy equipment mechanics are in demand.
As a result of the short supply of heavy equipment mechanics, some companies are willing to train on the job and apprentice those showing a strong interest and ability.
PEI trucking companies employ heavy duty equipment and truck Mechanics. There is a high demand for mechanic work for all sizes of vehicles and equipment.
According to the PEI government website, many trades on PEI are designated, allowing workers to become certified in that trade through apprenticeship training and/or certification.
Truck and transport mechanics Apprenticeship training is now available on PEI. For more information click here and click here.
To read about companies which provide great careers in these trades and educational opportunities, click here
Automotive Dealerships

These careers have good potential and provide year-round employment with advancement opportunities.
According to the Economic Indicators as of Feb 14, 2022 prepared by the Economics, Statistics, and Federal Fiscal Relations Division of the PEI Department of Finance, the sales revenue of new motor vehicle sales was up 14.1 percent, and sales were up 23.8 percent from the previous year.
The PEI Automobile Association (PEIADA) is the only automobile dealers association in Canada which has 100 percent membership of all the new car dealerships in the province. This self-funded, non-profit organization represents the 22 new automobile dealerships on PEI.
Lisa Doyle-MacBain, Executive Director of PEIADA, says new automobile dealerships on PEI have over 700 employees, and an annual payroll of approximately $36 million.
“It’s a challenge finding good quality staff for all positions at the dealerships,” says Lisa. “There’s a misperception that automobile dealerships just sell and fix cars. It’s a big business supported by people with good interpersonal skills and expertise in marketing, sales, finance/accounting, human resources, strategic planning, operations, electronics, inventory control, parts/service, etc.” she says.
For more information about a career in this field, contact PEI Automobile Dealers Association (PEIADA) at 902-566-3639 or e-mail peiada@bellaliant.net
Visit www.peiada.com
To explore career options further, click here
Bioscience

Bioscience is a sector that provides employment for a wide range of qualifications from entry level to PhD.
PEI Bioscience companies focus on:
- Human health & nutrition
- Fish health
- Animal health & nutrition
- Human/animal health diagnostics
- Contract manufacturing services
- Medical devices
Hiring needs within the Bioscience companies on PEI
The PEI BioAlliance is a private sector-led not-for-profit organization dedicated to building the bioscience industry on PEI.
The bioscience industry is made up of 61 companies across PEI, including Charlottetown, Summerside, Souris, Victoria, and Kensington. Just over 2,200 people work in human health areas such as pharmaceutical and device manufacturing, as well as animal, plant and fish health products and services and natural products.
“The PEI BioAlliance attracts talent to bioscience companies on PEI by promoting their job postings,” says Vivian Beer, Manager, HR Strategy for the PEI BioAlliance. “My role is to connect potential candidates with these opportunities.”
Opportunities include Scientists, Researchers, Quality Assurance and Quality Control, Production roles ranging from Process Engineers to Packaging Technicians, and many other manufacturing positions.
There are also a number of business administration positions in areas like finance, accounting, sales and marketing. And there are some student positions including co-ops and summer placements.
Those interested in working in PEI’s bioscience sector can submit a resumé to vivian@peibioalliance.com and it will be shared with the senior hiring managers of PEI Bioscience companies.
Open positions are posted on the PEI BioAlliance website. You can also sign up for job alerts to be the first to hear about new job openings.
To explore career options further, click here
Boat-building sector

This sector includes companies that design, build, repair and service, and provide materials and equipment for a diverse range of semi-custom and custom boats.
The industry on PEI is relatively small in size and there are about 12 companies on PEI building and repairing boats. Most likely 100 people are employed across the industry, and more are needed.
For more information about the Boat Building industry, click here
Career Development Profession

Career Development Professionals work with people of all ages to help them manage their learning, work, and transitions.
The goal of career services is to help people to pursue learning and to find work which is personally meaningful and to learn how to manage transitions in today’s ever-evolving labour market.
On PEI, they are employed in settings such as:
- Employment Assistance Services
- Community Sector Network: organizations/agencies- Non-profit
- Labour Market Specialties
- Workforce Development (government such as SkillsPEI)
- Sector Councils/Associations
- Department of Education and Lifelong Learning
- Private Employers: Human Resources departments
- Post-Secondary Education & Training Institutions: Career Services
For more information about industry updates and career options in this field on PEI, click here
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is guided by the shared vision of leaders in fisheries, aquaculture, offshore resources, transportation, marine renewables, defence, bio resources, and ocean technologies to leverage our strengths to solve ocean challenges together.
Today Canada’s Ocean economy employs almost 350,000 Canadians and contributes more than $36 billion to our gross domestic product, with an incredible opportunity for growth in front of us.
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster Newsletter
The best version of herself: Empowering women to enter the STEM field
For more information visit www.oceansupercluster.ca
Construction – Commercial

The Construction Association of PEI (CAPEI) helps foster, promote, and advance the interests and efficiency of the construction industry on PEI by acting on behalf of and for its members.
Eight good reasons to get into construction careers
Sam Sanderson, Manager of CAPEI, says the industry is building bigger, better, and smarter buildings and now is the time to enter this thriving industry. “An estimated 1,200 to 1,500 jobs are available today. There is a place for many to start this viable, long-standing, year-round career.
“Employers need people at every skill and educational level, including those with expertise in designing, building, and maintaining these new buildings. There are many ways to enter a trade and learn and earn as you go. With the need for housing and overall infrastructure it only increases the demand for a strong workforce.”
Generally speaking, all trades in the industry are in demand, including:
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Roofing
- Bricklaying/Masonry
- Carpenters
- Cabinet makers
- Refrigeration (HVAC)
- Truck drivers
- Electrical power line and cable workers
- Concrete specialists
- Safety professionals
- Project managers
- Site managers
- Architects
- Engineers
- Labourers
- Floor Installers
- Ironworkers and structural metal fabricators
- Renovation managers
- Environmental Technologists
- Heavy equipment operators
- Welders and related machine operator
- Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
- Bookkeepers
- Accountants
- IT Specialists
Ben Paton is the HR Manager. He regularly meets with CAPEI members and will post open positions on www.workpei.ca
Those interested in a career in construction should contact Ben Paton, CAPEI’s HR Advisor, at hr@capei.ca or 902-368-3303.
For employment opportunities within the construction industry visit www.workpei.ca and www.islandbuilder.ca
For more information about the Construction Association of PEI, call 902-368-3303. Visit www.capei.ca
For more information about industry updates and career options in this field on PEI, click here
Construction-Residential

According to BuildForce Canada, rising residential construction demands tapped Prince Edward Island’s labour supply in 2021 and the industry is bracing for further growth in 2022.
Eight good reasons to get into construction careers
New-housing construction continues to rise to a forecast peak in 2022, exacerbating tight labour markets before returning to more balanced conditions as investment growth slows across the forecast period.
For more information about a career in residential construction or to connect with a CHBA-PEI member, contact Alicia Packwood at 902-393-2093 or email alicia@chba-pei.ca
Visit www.chba-pei.ca
For more information about industry updates and career options in this field on PEI, click here
Creative/Cultural Sector

According to Statistics Canada for PEI, 2,500 people worked in information, culture and recreation in 2021.
Areas in Creative/ Cultural:
- Crafts and Design
- Live Performing Arts
- Film, TV and Media Arts Production
- Interactive Media
- Visual Arts
- Music and Sound Recording
- Museums, Archives, Libraries, & Heritage
- Writing and Publishing
Mark Sandiford, Executive Director, PEI Cultural Human Resources Sector Council (CreativePEI) provided the following information about the economic state of the Creative Sector on PEI:
1. Crafts and Design – “Design continues to grow with a steady stream of excellent new designers graduating from Holland College.”
2. Live Performing Arts – “This industry was really hit hard by COVID. Most people in this sector are looking at 2022 before things are anywhere near back to normal.”
3. Film, TV and Media Arts Production – “This industry has been quite busy right through the pandemic due to very strict on-set safety protocols. With the announcement of expanded provincial film production support programs, PEI is looking at a period of rapid growth over the next few years.”
4. Interactive Media – “This industry was relatively unaffected by COVID. Employees worked from home with no drop in productivity. Worldwide markets for videogames continue to do well.”
5. Visual Arts – “Artists have been relatively unaffected through COVID since many work from home. The PEI Arts Grants and the Canada Council for the Arts have continued to support artists through this period. Opportunities will only increase as things open up.”
6. Music and Sound Recording – “The bright spot has been local venues that have booked PEI musicians and attracted good audiences.”
7. Museums, Archives, Libraries, & Heritage – “Many museums and libraries are open again, but visitor numbers are down.”
8. Writing and Publishing – “This industry was relatively unaffected by COVID since most writers work from home and the market and funding opportunities for writing are relatively unchanged.”
For more information about the Culture/Creative sector on PEI, click here
Digital Economy

Guide to Computing Careers and Disciplines, click here
This guide provides answers to three questions:
- Why should you consider computing when choosing a career?
- What kind of computing jobs are out there?
- How do you get there? That is, what kind of education pathways will guide you to the computing career you desire?
The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) is the national centre of expertise for the digital/computing economy.
Most in-demand digital roles in the Canadian digital economy
- Software Developers
- Data Scientists
- Data Analysts
- UX/UI Designers
- Full stack Developers
- Cybersecurity Analysts
- DevOps Engineers
- Machine Learning Engineers
- Database Administrators
- IT Support Specialists
- Business Development Managers
- Project Managers
- Business Analysts
- Digital Marketers
- Researcher
In its monthly snapshot of the digital economy labour market, ICTC reported that 5,430 people work in this sector on PEI as of Sept 2021. For monthly labour market updates in the sector, click here
Education and skills building
ICTC believes in the importance of developing a highly skilled, educated, and motivated ICT/digital workforce.
They have available relevant and current tools and resources for educators and students in both secondary and post-secondary levels as well as for employers and employees.
For more information, click here
For more about the Digital Economy industry on PEI, click here
Early Childhood Education

“Between conversations with the Sector and PEI’s Early Learning and Childcare Registry, there is a large demand for more Certified Early Childhood Educators across PEI,” says Jennifer Nangreaves, Executive Director of the Early Childhood Development Association of PEI.
“Early Childhood Educators work in publicly managed and private Early Childhood Centres, in full-day or half-day programs, family resource centre programs, school-aged programs, and family home care,” says Jennifer.
Educational requirements
- Early Childhood Care & Education diploma
- Certified First Aid course
- A vulnerable sector criminal record clearance from the RCMP
- The ability to speak French (if working in a Francophone centre)
Education options on PEI
- Holland College: Early Childhood Care and Education program: 2 years
- Collège de l’Île: Early Childhood Educator: 2 years
Job titles at childcare centres
- Director or Supervisor
- Early Childhood Educator
- Substitute Caregiver
- Inclusions Support Worker/Special Needs Assistant
- Early Childhood Educator Assistant
- Cook
Those interested in substitute positions can visit www.ecdaofpei.ca/educators/careers/substitute.php
For more about the Early Childhood Development Association of PEI, visit www.ecdaofpei.ca
For more about the Early Childhood Education on PEI, click here
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate and Leasing

Some job titles under Finance, insurance, real estate, and leasing
- Banker
- Accounting
- Insurance adjuster
- Financial clerk
- Financial and investment analyst
- Realtor
- Sales
According to the WorkPEI Employment Analysis, in May 2022, there were 2,800 people employed in these industries.
For more information, click here
Fisheries

The fisheries sector on PEI includes all wild-caught aquatic species. The sector concentrates mainly on lobster, and also includes other species.
According to the Seafood Processors Association, the industry directly employs over 2,000 people, and indirectly fuels employment in multiple product and service industries. Jobs range in length from six to 10 months in the lobster processing sector.
Work PEI, in collaboration with members of the PEI Seafood Processors Association, has launched a new employment portal for seafood processing jobs at www.workpei.ca/opsi/
Jobs most often run from May until December; however, mussel and oyster production is year-round, and companies often offer benefits. More females are getting into these industries.
Students can earn a good amount of money during the summer and during the school year because of the many hours of work available, and wages are increasing a bit each year.
Bonuses offered to encourage students to work in the seafood and agriculture sectors, click here
For more information, click here
Food Processing

This sector ties in agriculture, aquaculture, and fisheries. As a result of staff shortages, these industries depend on foreign workers to maintain the demand for labour.
The Employment Journey produces an extensive list of seafood processing facilities that hire staff each March. Work may be available through to December, depending on the market. Mussel plants typically offer year-round work. To explore each company further, click here
The Seafood Processors Association notes the seafood processing sector directly employs close to 2,000 people. The members represents a diverse range of seafood products and provide jobs directly and indirectly for thousands of people on the Island.
Work PEI, in collaboration with members of the PEI Seafood Processors Association, has launched a new employment portal for seafood processing jobs at www.workpei.ca/opsi/
Bonuses offered to encourage students to work in the seafood and agriculture sectors, click here
For more information, click here
Forestry

Self-employment in forest management can be a great career choice.
Dan Dupont from the Montague area has created his own employment, and is very happy with his choice. Since May of 2018, he has worked with woodlot owners to manage their forests sustainably while making a profit.
“Based on the reception from landowners, the Island could easily support the work of 12 more people doing what I do. “This is the most peaceful way to make a living there is, and it pays the bills very well. In the four months since I started, I have been offered more work than I can get done in my lifetime. I have been approached to manage almost 6,000 acres of woodland.”
More potential for careers in forestry on PEI
Dan is encouraging more people to consider self-employment in this field. “If you are a woodsy type of person, this is a good way to make a living, financially, mentally, and ecologically. You don’t need to have a degree in forestry. You need a mechanical aptitude, and you need to be willing to work alone and unsupervised.”
Forestry could be a bigger resource on PEI
The wood he cuts goes for lumber, pulpwood, or firewood. The pulp/chipper wood goes to the Wood4Heating biomass plant in Ten Mile House on PEI, which produces wood chips that heat many government buildings and schools. Some logs are purchased by Koke’s sawmill in Wood Islands, and studs go to Scotsburn Lumber in Nova Scotia.
“It is too bad we can’t keep our wood on PEI. It would be nice to have a facility to supply our own lumber. Every time we export a load of logs to Nova Scotia, we are exporting jobs as well.
“We have an opportunity and a responsibility to manage our forests properly. A lot of income could be derived responsibly and sustainably. If we respect our forest and understand the positive attributes it can give the local economy, we could become self sustaining and independent in supplying our own wood products and heat demands.
“It’s not a minimum wage job; it’s a good paying career. My father raised us on that career. The work you do in the forest very rarely pays less than $20 an hour. If you have the work ethic and you don’t mind being alone in the woods, this is a great place to be.”
For more information about the Forestry industry, click here
Healthcare

It has become the mission of The Employment Journey to provide awareness of the many opportunities in healthcare on PEI. There are endless choices in the private and public sectors.
According to the WorkPEI Employment Analysis, about 12,400 people are working in Healthcare and Social Assistance on PEI in 2022.
According to the Labour Force Survey for May 2022, the number of people working in PEI’s Health and Social Services sector went up by 700 since May 2021.
A great way to explore healthcare options is to check out the2020 Guide of Health Professions published by the Government of PEI’s Health and Wellness department. The guide features key information about more than 60 health career opportunities on PEI. This includes 13 different fields, plus health careers in the private and non-profit sectors.
Other careers in the health field not listed in the guide include chefs, service workers, IT support, finance specialists, administrative roles, and more.
Some areas of employment include:
- Medical Laboratory Technicians
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Nursing (including Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Resident Care Workers)
- Service Workers
- Cooks
- Maintenance Workers (Carpenters, Power Engineers, Plumbers, Electricians)
- Addiction Workers
- Administrative Support
- Clerical Support
- Mental health programs
- Addiction services and programs
To explore the many career choices in Healthcare, click here
Island Technology Professionals (ITP)

ITP is a volunteer-run, independent certifying body for engineering/applied science technicians and technologists on PEI and represents 16 disciplines such as:
- Architectural and Building
- Biomedical
- Bioscience
- Chemical
- Civil
The organization represents the designations “CTech”, “CET” and “AScT” which are symbols of achievement in engineering/applied science technology. The designations are recognized across Canada through the efforts of the provincial associations that make up the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT).
At the technologist level, Holland College offers Electronics Engineering Technology, Computer Network Engineering Technology, Bioscience Technology, and Architectural Technology.
At the technician level, the college offers Construction Technology and Environmental Applied Sciences Technology programs. All programs are nationally accredited by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB).
Bryan Burt works with Network Operations at the provincial government’s Information Technology Shared Services. “Technologists and technicians need two years of experience in their field to earn a CET, CTech or AScT designation,” says Bryan. “With those designations, they are eligible to apply for jobs posted at the Canadian Technical Employment Network.”
Technologists and technicians are employed at companies such as Maritime Electric, Eastlink, BIO|FOOD|TECH, and with the provincial government.
Bryan says the majority of ITP’s members have a civil engineering technology or construction background. “They work with engineers and architects. Employers are looking for a lot of CAD specialists and industrial technicians.”
“Instructors in the Computer Networking Technology program are telling us their graduates are not having issues getting jobs,” says Trent Collicutt, past President and current Executive Staff Officer with ITP and he is an Enterprise Infrastructure Solution Architect with the Provincial Government’s Information Technology Shared Services.
For more information about the Island Technology Professionals, click here
Justice & Public Safety

Career opportunities at the Provincial Custody Programs
- Correctional Officer
- Youth Worker
- Administration
- Counsellor – addictions, family, and more
- Management and Supervisory positions
- Human Resources
- Clerical
- Nursing
- Psychologist
- Probation Officer
- Victim Services Management
Demand for Correctional Officers
“We have many positions within our division,” says Ron Taylor, Manager of Corrections Services, PEI Department of Justice and Public Safety.
“The most openings are for Correctional Officers. We have about 100 permanent and casual positions for Correctional Officers on PEI. Lately, we have been having difficulty filling those positions.
“Everyone across the country in our line of work is having problems filling positions. The baby boomers are retiring, and there just are not enough younger people to replace them.”
For more information about the many career choices in the Justice & Public Safety sector, click here
Manufacturing

According to the WorkPEI Employment Analysis, in May 2022, 8,400 people worked in manufacturing on PEI.
The mission of the CWB Welding Foundationis to broaden awareness of the career potential and opportunities in welding, and to advocate for a strong and sustainable welding workforce in support of Canada’s economy.
To check out scholarships, awards, bursaries, and more, click here
For a list of open positions in manufacturing, visit www.jobbank.gc.ca
For a list of local jobs, visit www.workpei.ca
For more about the manufacturing industry on PEI, click here
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services on PEI

This sector covers a broad range of careers, including:
- Legal Services
- Accounting
- Insurance brokers
- Tax Preparation
- Bookkeeping
- Payroll
- Architecture
- Engineering
- Design
- Computer Systems
- Human Resources
- Translation and Interpretation Services
- Veterinary Services
- Management
- Scientific Research and Development Services
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services
- Building Inspection Services
- Interior Design Services
- Research and Development in Physical, Engineering and Life Sciences
- Advertising Agencies
- Public Relations Services
- Market Research
According to statistics from WorkPEI Employment Analysis, 4,800 people were employed in this sector in May, 2022.
For more about career options, click here
Retail and Wholesale

According to the WorkPEI Employment Analysis as of February 2022, 12,000 people are employed in retail and wholesale on PEI.
Top websites to find PEI retail jobs
- www.workpei.ca
- www.jobbank.gc.ca
- www.careerbeacon.com
- www.workopolis.com
- www.indeed.com
- www.cdspei.ca/jobboard
To explore jobs and opportunities in this sector, click here
Road & Bridge Building and Heavy Construction

“We have certainly faced some challenges, as most industries have, including work shortages due to illness and isolation requirements, and no social events due to capacity restrictions – but for the most part, we are an industry that has succeeded in the face of COVID-19,” says Melissa Paquet, Executive Director, PEI Road Builders & Heavy Construction Association.
“The outlook for the 2022-2023 construction season is encouraging.”
The Provincial Highway Capital Budget breakdown is as follows:
Bridges | 10,000,000 |
National Highways | 27,000,000 |
Collector Highways | 10,000,000 |
Provincial Paving | 10,000,000 |
Active Transportation | 1,500,000 |
Total | 48,500,000 |
Promoting a career in Road Building and Heavy Construction
“Our industry, as many others, is facing a worker shortage crisis. Recruitment in our industry is one of our goals as we see an aging workforce. The call for skilled labourers is increasing across the board. The COVID-19 pandemic has put even more pressure on an already understaffed workforce. A lack of public education about – and exposure to – road building and heavy construction is also a major cause of the labour shortage, not to mention our aging workforce.
“Our Association will be working on a project focusing on youth recruitment over the next few years. We have already produced a career video promoting our industry via social media, for youth and job fairs, etc.”
To watch the video, click here
Jobs in road and bridge building:
- Skilled Labourers
- Flaggers
- Heavy Equipment Operators
- Truck Drivers
- Heavy Equipment Mechanics
- Technicians
- Supervisors and Superintendents
- Consulting Engineers who design the roads
- Building Surveyors
- Estimators
- Office Managers, Accountants, and Heavy Equipment Dealers
Education options:
- The Construction Technology program at Holland College includes a component of heavy civil (roadbuilding).
- Civil Engineers, who design roads, need a university Engineering degree.
- JVI offers courses for Truck Drivers and Heavy Equipment Operators.
Truck and Transport Mechanic Apprenticeship training now available on PEI
Finding work in the road and bridge building industry
“Employee commitment is very important. Employers want to invest in people who are willing to stay with their companies for the long-term.
“Anyone interested in working in this industry is welcome to contact the PEI Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association office,” says Melissa. “I can put people in touch with most of the roadbuilding companies in operation on PEI. Job seekers can send me a resumé, and I will forward it to our members.”
See a list of members at www.peirb.ca/regular-members.html
For more information on PEI Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association, call 902-894-9514 or email info@peirb.ca
Visit www.peirb.ca
For more about the industry, click here
Self-Employment/Small Business

We put a heavy emphasis on start-up information, self-employment initiatives, and small business community supports and resources by compiling a complete list of all the resources available across PEI, click here
We covered a high number of self-employment initiatives in the last few years. For more information about our coverage, visit www.employmentjourney.com and click Self Employment.
Tourism

Typically, the industry provides 15,000 to 17,000 full-time, part-time, seasonal, and year-round jobs.
According to Tourism HR Canada, in May 2022 PEI had 7,800 full-time and part-time employees working in Tourism.
According to the TIAPEI Workforce Action Plan from May 2022, looking over the horizon, tourism employment projections are very healthy, pointing to enormous gains in job opportunities by 2026, led by restaurants, conferences, and other hospitality businesses.
Categories of work include:
- Accommodations: Housekeeping, front desk, general managers, and supervisors.
- Food & Beverage Services: Servers, bartenders, line cooks, chefs, kitchen staff, front end workers, supervisors and managers
- Travel Services: Visitor information counsellors and tour guides
- Transportation: Ferry boat captains, airport, taxi drivers, and motor coach drivers
- Recreation & Entertainment: Golf courses, bike rentals, outdoor adventures, and cultural events.
According to Tourism HR Canada, the Food and Beverage Services industry is the largest employer among tourism businesses, accounting for over 55 percent of tourism jobs.
To explore Tourism further, click here
Trucking

We work with Brian Oulton, Executive Director of the PEI Trucking Sector Council, who is working to address a high demand for long-haul truck drivers and mechanics in this field.
Examples of careers in trucking:
- Truck Driver
- Heavy Equipment Mechanic
- Freight Broker
- Driver Trainer
- Dispatcher
- Parts Technician
- Safety and Compliance
Human Resources
“On PEI, about 4,000 employees work in the trucking industry, and about 2,000 are Truck Drivers,” Brian says.
“The most challenging positions to fill are Truck Drivers and Mechanics, although finding skilled people for any role is getting tough these days,” he says.
Truck and Transport Mechanic Apprenticeship training now available on PEI
To explore further, click here
How to get started
To find services and programs to help you sort through all of the career options on PEI and to explore the ones that stand out for you, click here