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FutureWorks PEI: Transforming º£½ÇÂÒÂ× and Strengthening the Island’s Workforce 

On May 25th, º£½ÇÂÒÂ× announced FutureWorks PEI, a new, multi-year initiative designed to address key workforce productivity challenges facing Prince Edward Island. Supported by a transformative $15 million philanthropic gift from the Weston family, the initiative will strengthen skills training, applied research, and industry collaboration in sectors critical to PEI’s economic future.  

Prince Edward Island is facing a convergence of economic pressures

• Critical labour shortages in construction, bioscience, digital/technical services, and manufacturing, with projected gaps exceeding 6,000 skilled workers by 2035₁ 
• Productivity constraints for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), which make up 98% of PEI businesses and often lack access to R&D capacity and digital adoption supports₂ 
• Demographic pressures, including an aging population and declining workforce participation, affecting PEI’s ability to meet housing, infrastructure, economic growth, and climate targets.₃
   

Our New Initiative: FutureWorks PEI 

In direct response to current labour market needs and economic priorities, FutureWorks PEI will expand three core areas at º£½ÇÂÒÂ×: 

Trades Centre Expansion at Summerside Waterfront Campus 

• Strengthening core construction trades training 
• Adding new purpose-built trades training facilities at the Summerside Waterfront Campus  
• Providing upskilling and reskilling for Red Seal and sustainable construction trades 
• Introducing short, industry-aligned micro-credentials
• Integrating applied research to support innovation in construction methods and materials 

Applied Biotechnology Research Centre Expansion at Prince of Wales Campus 

• Expanded and modernized R&D laboratories in Charlottetown 
• New research chairs, student fellowships, and funding to support applied research and innovation 
• Entrepreneurial training and incubation support for SMEs
• Hands-on applied research experiences for students 

Business Analytics, AI & Cybersecurity Expansion 

• Lauching a new post-secondary cybersecurity program (Fall 2027). 
• Expanding AI and data analytics research capacity  
• Providing specialized expertise and equipment to lower barriers for SME digital innovation.  

The Impact 

As one of the largest initiatives in the College’s 57-year history, FutureWorks PEI will strengthen º£½ÇÂÒÂ×’s legacy of innovative and collaborative education, further contributing to the growth of the Island’s economy while expanding opportunities for students.  
 
Our FutureWorks PEI initiative will: 

• Build a strong talent pipeline in construction, bioscience, and digital/tech sectors. 
• Improve SME productivity and competitiveness. 
• Support PEI’s housing, infrastructure, bioscience, and digital modernization needs. 
• Strengthen connections between education, applied research, and industry.  
  
  

Why º£½ÇÂÒÂ× is Well-positioned to Lead FutureWorks PEI

As PEI’s leading workforce and economic development institution, we are uniquely positioned to lead this initiative. Our full-time programs, courses, certificates and microcredentials collectively reach approximately 12,000 learners annually_4, and our increased focus on applied research has earned us a place among Canada’s Top 50 research colleges, ranking 12th nationally in 2025.

We are proud to build on our long-standing reputation as a partner and resource for local businesses and industries, by ensuring that our programs and research are industry-led, responsive and rapidly adopted.  

One thing is certain: it’s an exciting time to be at º£½ÇÂÒÂ×! 

References:

1  (Source: Stiletto Consulting, Labour Market Assessment, December 2025)

2 (Source: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Key Small Business Statistics 2023. Government of Canada, 2023,  

3 (Source: Stiletto Consulting, Labour Market Assessment, December 2025).

4 (Approximately 2,600 full-time post-secondary students and 8,600+ learners in community, adult, and continuing education Source: 2024-2025 º£½ÇÂÒÂ× Annual Report.