Take a look at what you will find in the January/February issue of The Employment Journey below. Here’s what we discovered on PEI in the last month:
The cover story: A 2008 survey by the PEI Health Sector Council says youth may have more of an interest in careers in healthcare when they realize how many choices there are in this sector.
Youth information:
High school students from across the Island came to UPEI for Career Options Day to see what trades and technology jobs are available. We featured construction, fashion design, video game development, medical lab technology, aerospace and trucking.
Post Secondary Day is a time for students to meet representatives from college, university and community organizations. This contact gives the students a chance to find out about education and career choices on PEI as well as out of province. Parents also have a major role to play in helping their children decide on their next step after high school.
Charlottetown Rural High School’s Career Day featured people in over 90 professions who came to talk about their careers. Premier Robert Ghiz spoke to students on his employment journey. His public service career began when he voluntered on the 1997 federal election campaign. Before he became the leader of the PEI Liberal Party, he worked at a variety of jobs, including advisor to former prime minister Jean Chretien and manager of government affairs for the Bank of Nova Scotia.
A Grade 9 student got an inside look at careers in Aerospace. He took a tour of Vector Atlantic at Slemon Park, and even got a flying lesson from a staff member who sometimes takes his plane to work! Vector Atlantic plans to add 50 new jobs this year.
The third annual Transition Expo at Westisle High invited students with disabilities and their parents to learn about education and employment support after graduation. Nancymarie Arsenault from the PEI Council of People with Disabilities was there to speak about the Work Abilities program.
Economic and business information:
Economists at the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council say PEI will see little growth in 2009. But employers from aerospace, bioscience, video game development and tourism are optimistic that their businesses will survive the economic downturn.
Renewable Energy:
Peter Arsenault of Pete’s Hearth & Stove Centre in Kensington said three of his employees were hired after doing on-the-job training with him. He may need a new service technician and office/retail person in one year.
IT (Information Technology):
Video game development is becoming strong on PEI. The Game Garage competition picked a team that made and marketed a game. The experience was a great success. All four team members got jobs at Charlottetown video game development companies.
Alet Pieterse, her husband and two small children moved from South Africa to O’Leary 12 years ago. Seeing the need on PEI for her web development skills, she started her own company, Web Site Advantage 10 years ago. In her line of work, 99.9 percent of her clients are male. Alet encourages more women to consider IT jobs. She says if you know what you are talking about and stick to your strengths, you will be respected as a woman.
Catherine Llywd of O’Leary owns Working Advantage Virtual Enterprises Training . Her clients are people with disabilities who use assistive technology to make it easier to use a computer at work. Catherine will also work with companies to install assistive technology software and hardware for employees.
Adult and Community Education:
To meet the qualifications for university and college, more high school graduates are upgrading their marks.Two GED students in Montague are making a career change.
Trades:
Rhéal Arsenault of Mont-Carmel has run Rhéal’s Renovations and Repairs for seven years. He credits his success to planning ahead and to business support from La Société de développement de la Baie Acadienne.
Thomas M. Carver Ltd. of Alliston is a family-owned trucking company celebrating 50 years in the community. Whether it’s behind the wheel or in the front office, a Carver will greet you.
After 25 years in carpentry, Roger Kelly got his Red Seal with help from the Trade Essentials program.
Website of the Month: www.workinpei.ca . This website makes job matches much easier. Job seekers answer simple questions about their employment and education background and can even submit a video application. Employers get help with background checks and interview tips.
New Employment Journey feature - Page 16: Calendar of Events. See what employment-related events are happening on PEI.
Here’s what to look out for in job development news from the provincial and federal governments:
Feb. 6: The federal Gas Tax Fund has over $60 million for PEI projects. It will support upgrades to public transit, roads and sewer/water treatment. The following is a breakdown of the fund:
- $30 million to sewer and/or water service
- $18 million to roads and bridges
- $12 million to land use studies, official plans and bylaws, and alterative energy projects
Jan. 26: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is granting $10 million from its Atlantic Innovation Fund to five PEI companies. The following five are:
1. University of PEI is creating BioMed Atlantic, which will test drugs designed to manage brain disorders such as stroke.
2. Atlantic Veterinary College is testing tissue growth therapy for horses and companion animals.
3. Aqua Bounty Canada is studying salmon reproduction for the commercial fishery.
4. Atlantech Engineering & Associates Inc. is boosting efficiency in the salmon aquaculture industry.
5. Solarvest (PEI) Inc. is developing special oils for salmon feed.
Jan. 20: Community and Cultural Affairs is granting funding to help Eastern Kings Sports Council to hire a Regional Recreation Director. Duties include creating a recreational plan, working with sports groups and encouraging residents to get active.
Jan. 19: Community and Cultural Affairs Minister Carolyn Bertram says artists, dancers, actors, writers, musicians and singers aged 16 to 22 are encouraged to apply for the National Arts Program that takes place here this summer at the Canada Games 2009 Three Islanders will be chosen to interpret the Island Way of Life.
Jan. 14: Innovation and Advanced Learning Minister Alan Campbell announced Master Packaging Ltd. of Borden-Carleton is adding 25 new jobs.
Job and economic headlines from the Guardian:
Feb. 7
"Prince County manufacturer Trout River Industries invests in wind power"
"Cruise ship visits generate millions for PEI"
"Questions abound over spring fishery"
"Waterfront Place going through changes"
"Summerside Equine Centre an attractive idea"
"Souris review at consultation stage: mayor"
"Funding announced for major halibut project"
Jan. 24
“Cash infusion gives new life to Summerside Race Way to get $3.5 million facelift”
“Kenmac Energy developing new distribution centre in Cornwall”
“Atlantic provinces agriculture ministers discuss co-operation on joint projects"
Jan.17
“Island not seeing decline in auto sales”
“Driven by music: Many PEI artists pay the bills thanks to their musical talent”
“New aboriginal housing in the works”
“Medical company Timeless Medical Systems updates breast milk ID system”
After looking through all this information, can you still say nothing is happening on PEI? It’s more a case of there is so much happening, how can a person find their way? Well, stick with us. Maybe we can help you find a path along your employment journey!
Tne Employment Journey is funded by the Canada/Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreement (www.lmda.pe.ca).
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