New training program for truck and transport, heavy duty and agricultural equipment technicians

A new apprenticeship program, developed together with the provincial government, Holland College, PEI Trucking Sector Council and PEI Agricultural Sector Council, will support industry needs and strengthen the province’s labour force.

Starting January 2022, Holland College will deliver the Truck and Transport, Heavy Duty Equipment and Agricultural Equipment Technical Training Program, with practical training on specialized equipment from the three industries. The program will be based at the Queens Country Highway Depot and will include onsite visits to industry shops across Prince Edward Island.

“Trained technicians are crucial in addressing skill shortages and ensuring safe working environments across the Island. Supporting industry to recruit and grow the number of new technicians is essential to our provincial economy. We’re working together with Holland College and the sectors to create this program to reduce barriers and offer more opportunities for people to take this training right here in Prince Edward Island.”

- Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture Minister Matthew MacKay

“I’m very pleased that our department is helping support the next generation of skilled workers in Prince Edward Island,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure James Aylward. “As our economy rebuilds from the impact of the pandemic, we want young Islanders and Islanders looking for a new career to be able to learn and develop their skills from the experienced trade workers in our province. This partnership will benefit our Island businesses, our trucking and agriculture sector and our communities.”

“Having on-Island training for our truck and transport mechanics is a great step forward for our industry”, said Brian Oulton, executive director, PEI Trucking Sector Council. “With shipping demands ever-growing, so too is the need for highly skilled, certified mechanics to keep PEI’s professional drivers rolling safely down the road. By enabling apprentices to train on PEI, this partnership helps the industry resolve a pressing labour challenge.”      

“The agriculture industry identified an increase in demand for skilled agricultural equipment technicians due to retirement, and growing technology and training requirements. We’ve posted several jobs for agriculture equipment technicians over the last several years and by offering this training on PEI, it will give Islanders the chance to expand their career opportunities without having to leave PEI,” said Greg Stavert, chair of PEI Agriculture Sector Council. 

“Holland College is pleased to expand its technical and applied learning apprenticeship training in response to industry demands. Using the college’s expertise will enable students to stay in Prince Edward Island to complete their training and will help support the labor force requirements of these local industry sectors,” said Dr. Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald, president of Holland College.

Government will fund the cost for bringing this training to Prince Edward Island and the tuition for all participants in the program. 

Media contact:
Hillary MacDonald
Department of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture
902-394-6368
hpsmacdonald@gov.pe.ca 

April Gallant
Department of Transportation and Infrastructure
902-368-6449
aldgallant@gov.pe.ca