Summerside, PEI – Over 125 high school students from across Prince Edward Island traded their classrooms for workshops on Thursday, October 22, as JA Prince Edward Island (JA PEI) and Holland College hosted the World of Choices Skilled Trades Summit at Holland College’s Summerside campus.
Students from Bluefield High School, Three Oaks Senior High School, Kinkora Regional High School, Morell Regional High School and Colonel Grey High School took part in two 60-minute hands-on lab rotations, choosing from 10 skilled trades ranging from carpentry and welding to HVAC and wind turbine technology.
Students practise climbing with fall-protection equipment during the wind turbine technician lab at the World of Choices Skilled Trades Summit at Holland College’s Summerside campus on Octpber. 22, 2026. (Photo by Molly Zhang)
Students also heard from a panel of mentors from Cavendish Farms, Maritime Electric, Trout River Indsutries and Holland College, who shared their career journeys and advice.
From left: Harvey Stewart, Trout River; Garet Cameron, Cavendish Farms; Katherine Taylor, Maritime Electric; and Claire Hodge, Holland College student and Canerector Scholar, share their career journeys with students at the World of Choices Skilled Trades Summit in Summerside on Oct. 22, 2026. (Photo by Molly Zhang)
“It’s important for us to give back where we live and work,” said Garet Cameron, Director of Stakeholder Relations at Cavendish Farms, the event’s Local Champion. “We’re always mindful of supporting the next generation of talent and what they bring to the workforce. World of Choices is near and dear to us, because it gives high school students a chance to get out of the classroom and see what’s happening in the workforce.”
For Brad Morrison, a teacher at Colonel Grey High School, this year marked the third time bringing his students to World of Choices.“This really fits well with the curriculum for our essential skills students,” said Morrison. “Our class is self-directed and career-oriented, so it’s great to expose students to career pathways they may not have considered. Many of my students are hands-on learners, whether in tech or the traditional trades, who haven’t yet decided what they want to do.”
Morrison added that the day offers value even for students not planning a hands-on career.
“You never know. A career in these industries might appeal to them in a way they didn’t realize before,” he said. “I have students pursuing finance right now who really enjoyed their time here last year. There’s something for everyone, and I really appreciate that. I think the students do, too.”
"Every student who walked through the doors today left with a clearer picture of what’s possible for them in the skilled trades sector in PEI,” said Sheryl MacAulay, CEO of JA PEI. “We’re grateful to Holland College, Cavendish Farms, our mentors and the teachers who make these experiences possible for young Islanders."
JA PEI thanks Local Champion Cavendish Farms, co-host Holland College, National Presenting Partner RBC Foundation, and National Supporting Partners Enterprise Mobility, Imperial and TC Energy. Their support allows JA PEI to offer its programs at no cost to educators or participants.
About JA Prince Edward Island
JA Prince Edward Island inspires the next generation to realize their potential and make a positive impact in their communities. JA PEI collaborates with educators, volunteers and organizations across Prince Edward Island to deliver hands-on, immersive and digital learning experiences to more than 7,700 young Islanders each year. Its programs focus on financial health, entrepreneurship and work readiness.
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Media contact:
Molly Zhang
Digital Communications Coordinator, JA Prince Edward Island
902-969-0229