CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Despite a shortage of skilled tradespeople needed to build the province out of its housing shortage, the leader of a key industry group and the president of the province’s only community college have conceded they have little in the way of a collaborative working relationship.
Holland College president Sandy MacDonald said he believes Holland College offers a more comprehensive grounding in specific trades for new students. - Stu Neatby/SaltWire Members of the standing committee on education and economic growth listen during a presentation. From left: Green interim leader Karla Bernard, Liberal MLA Gord McNeilly and Liberal MLA Robert Henderson. - Stu Neatby/SaltWire
The shortage of red seal trades workers has prompted CAPEI to embark on overseas recruitment missions to countries like the UK and Ireland. "People have come to me – key people in industry – and have very clearly stated that the level of competency and physical ability to actually do the work is not where it should be,” Sanderson said.During a presentation before the standing committee on education and economic growth on May 30, Sanderson said many in the industry feel that the Provincial Vocational Institute , a vocational academy that closed in the late 1970s, provided a better grounding for trades training.
Sanderson said the Holland College curriculum is designed to give students as many skills as possible before they enter the industry. He believes the college’s 10-month program offers the grounding students need.