“The SkillsWork Experience program allows participants to gain valuable work experience while helping with community projects. I’m very happy to be able to help Islanders improve their work skills while helping the PEI Humane Society with its work protecting and sheltering animals,” says Allen Roach, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning.

The program is an initiative of the Canada/Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreement, and is designed to provide financial support to sponsor organizations for projects that provide eligible individuals with a valuable work experience to enhance their employability and potential for long-term employment.

This 13-week project will provide hands-on training for four Carpenter’s Assistants who, under the direction of a Construction Supervisor, will complete tasks such as removing and replacing old and damaged wood siding and windows at the 20-year-old building as well as replacing damaged fascia, soffit and eaves troughs.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of the SkillsWork Experience program,” says PEIHS Executive Director Kelly Mullaly. “The original wood siding was literally coming off in our hands and many of our windows could no longer open or close properly. As a non-profit organization, we certainly didn’t have the money in our operating budget to finance this kind of a project. The WorkExperience project will make this building functional again as well as providing an opportunity for these four individuals to learn some very marketable skills. I can’t think of a more appropriate example of a ‘win-win’ situation.”

The 13-week project is scheduled to be completed by mid-January, depending on weather delays.

The PEI Humane Society is the only Shelter for lost, abandoned and homeless companion animals on Prince Edward Island and assists over 1600 animals each year.