Skills PEI, the province’s lead provider of labour market programming, passed a significant milestone this month—completing six years of helping Islanders develop skills and build ties to the workforce.
“In the six years since delivery of this programming was devolved from the federal government to the Province, we have been able to direct nearly $160 million into labour market development for Islanders,” said Minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning Richard Brown.
Over the last six years, with SkillsPEI support, more than 20,000 Islanders have been able to access employment counselling, career planning, job search assistance, training, and labour market attachment. Of these individuals, 15,000 have secured employment or have started their own businesses.
The Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA) between Canada and Prince Edward Island allowed Prince Edward Island to assume an expanded role in the design and delivery of labour market programs and services in the province, and respond to local labour market demands.
“Programs under the LMDA are instrumental in supporting Island workers and our valued employers. In particular, programs support students as they make their way through school and into the workforce; individuals who seek re-training and attachment to the workforce; and entrepreneurs who establish new businesses,” said the minister.
The LMDA complements the creation of the Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning and aligns well with the departmental commitments in ensuring greater prosperity and enhanced employment opportunities for Islanders. The Department invests annually in skills development training to assist Islanders who wish to obtain post secondary education, adult education, and apprenticeship training in order to increase their skills and employability.
For more information on SkillsPEI programming, visit www.skillspei.com.