SkillsPEI connects new, former residents to Island workforce
Cheryl Burns and Jean-Claude Barabe both credit SkillsPEI programs offered through Tremploy for helping them transition into the Prince Edward Island workforce.
A former Islander living in Ontario, Burns participated in the 12-week Career Bridges program offered in Charlottetown. The program gave her insight into various careers available on the Island and allowed her to gain confidence, and set career goals—and now she is a successful realtor.
“Career Bridges helped me refocus my direction, confirmed an appropriate pathway, and gave me the confidence necessary to pursue my real estate passion,” Burns said. “The instructors encourage all students to step outside of their comfort zones and make realistic and obtainable goals to find sustainable employment.”
Barabe, a new resident from Ontario, relocated to Prince Edward Island for semi-retirement. He learned of the Passport to Employment program offered to mature workers, and after participating in the program in Alberton, Barabe was able to identify work opportunities in West Prince.
“I was ready for a change from the fast-paced environment of Ottawa; the program provided me with awareness and confidence in my abilities,” he said. “The opportunity to work in West Prince as an industrial electrician—while enjoying the tranquillity of a small community—has made the transition to Prince Edward Island an excellent choice.”
Career Bridges is an employment program designed to assist individuals in career exploration, planning, and decision making. Passport to Employment was developed to help unemployed mature workers enhance job search and employment skills that assist them to re-enter the workforce.
“As Prince Edward Island continues to strive to grow our population and develop our Island workforce, initiatives such as Career Bridges and Passport to Employment are important stepping stones,”
Workforce and Advanced Learning Minister Richard Brown said. “It is important that we provide the right tools to help all Islanders—whether they are new to the province or returning home—succeed and prosper so they can make great things happen on Prince Edward Island.”
Tremploy, a non-profit organization, will guide and expose approximately 150 individuals to careers over the next year through the Career Bridges and Passport to Employment initiatives. The programs will be available across Prince Edward Island and will connect Islanders to a successful pathway to employment.
The Career Bridges and Passport to Employment programs are funded in whole or in part by the Canada-PEI labour market agreements.
For more information, visit Skills PEI or Tremploy.
Media contact:
Sheila Kerry
Senior Communications Officer
Workforce and Advanced Learning
(902) 620-3688
slkerry@gov.pe.ca