Ever had trouble finding an available carpenter or an electrician when you needed one? How about a plumber? An upcoming week of activities is designed to help address this challenge.
Final preparations are underway for the First Annual Construction Week on Prince Edward Island from April 14 to 17.
The objective of Construction Week is to raise the profile of the construction industry on Prince Edward island and make Island youth aware of the opportunities that careers in the construction industry can provide.
"With an aging workforce, it's more important than ever to make sure young people know that there's a bright future to be had from a career in the construction industry," said Transportation and Public Works Minister Gail Shea.
A number of activities will be taking place during Construction Week to help get that message out to Islanders. Among the activities planned are a series of "Trades Expos" in Island high schools and community open houses at a number of Island businesses and training facilities such as Holland College.
"We've had tremendous support from everyone involved in developing the First Annual Construction Week, and we're looking forward to an interesting week of activities so that Island youth know there are big career opportunities in the construction industry," noted Francis Reid, Executive Director of the Construction Association of Prince Edward Island.
Community partners in Construction Week include the Construction Industry Association of PEI, the Building Trades Council, PEI Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association, Holland College, Skills Canada, and the Province of Prince Edward Island. A list of Construction Week activities is attached.
The construction industry is one of the driving forces of the Island's economy, employing nearly 4,000 people and generating sales of $400 million in 2002.
SCHEDULE
HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS – April 15 and 16, 2003
Westisle School: April 15, 2003, 12 noon to 12:30 p.m. (approximately)
Principal: James MacIntryre
Presenters: Welding - Vance Easter; Carpentry - Trevor LeClair
Three Oaks High School: April 15, 2003, 12 noon to 12:30 p.m. (approximately)
Principal: Robert Hunter
Presenters: Bricklayers - Clarence Gallant; Electrical - Ray McBride
Souris High School: April 16, 2003, 12 noon to 12:30 p.m. (approximately)
Principal: Shauna Evans Renaud
Presenters: Welding - Floyd Burke; Plumbing - Grant Smith
Charlottetown Rural High School: April 16, 2003, 12 noon to 12:30 p.m. (approximately)
Principal: Susan Willis
Presenters: Carpentry - David Weeks; Electrical - Ray McBride
COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSES – April 16, 2003 – 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Holland College Atlantic Welding and Fabrication Centre – Georgetown
Contact: Tawna MacLeod
Atlantic Store Décor / APM – Poole's Corner
Contact: Don Moroz
Transportation and Public Works – Mechanical Garage – Charlottetown
Contact: David Clements
Holland College Aerospace and Industrial Technology Centre – Slemon Park
Contact: Kim Gallant
Ravenwood Stairways – Western Road
Contact: Ralph Clark / Charlene
Perry's Gazebos – Bloomfield
Contact: Jim McCarthy