Holland College and the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with The Conference Board of Canada and the Business/Higher Education Roundtable, will co-convene PEI Regional Sounding, a virtual event intended to give individuals, businesses, and organizations in the province’s skills and training community the opportunity to discuss the future skills needs of the region.

The event, which takes place January 14, is being facilitated by The Conference Board of Canada on behalf of the Future Skills Centre, and is one of several regional soundings taking place in communities across the country. The PEI Regional Sounding will take place online at 2 p.m.

There is no charge for the event, but participants must register in advance. Click here to register 

This is the second year Holland College has hosted the PEI Regional Sounding. President Dr. Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald said the event provides industry partners and members of the greater community with an opportunity to discuss their concerns, which is especially important given the challenges presented by the pandemic..

“We appreciate hearing the perspectives of everyone concerned with, or involved in, the development of workforce skills to support the labour requirements of the province and the region,” he said. “The impact that COVID-19 has had worldwide affects all of us, and plotting a pathway back to prosperity will require unique strategies.”

“The gap between the skills employees have and the skills required by employers continues to be a challenge. Understanding the skills and training needs of various sectors will be more imperative as we look towards economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Penny Walsh-McGuire, CEO of the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber is pleased to partner with Holland College and the Conference Board of Canada in presenting this important opportunity for dialogue.”

The Future Skills Centre aims to identify emerging in-demand skills across the country, with the goal of helping Canadians prepare for a changing workforce. This cross-Canada tour will engage diverse communities to learn about regional priorities. This information will help inform the Future Skills Centre’s research and innovation investment strategies.