FutureWorks PEI: Transforming Holland College and Strengthening the Island’s Workforce 

On May 25th, Holland College 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 Holland College: 

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 Holland College’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 Holland College 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 Holland College! 

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, https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/sme-research-statistics/en/key-small-business-statistics/key-small-business-statistics-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 Holland College Annual Report.