Job prospects Apprentice Carpenter in Prince Edward Island

Explore current and future job prospects for people working as an "apprentice carpenter" in Prince Edward Island or across Canada.

Job opportunities in Prince Edward Island

These outlooks were updated on December 11, 2024.

Prospects over the next 3 years

Very good

The employment outlook will be very good for Carpenters (NOC 72310) in Prince Edward Island for the 2024-2026 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

  • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
  • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
  • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
  • Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities may vary depending on the time of the year.

Housing shortages and investments in new and affordable housing are expected to sustain demand for these positions over the forecast period. As interest rates continue to fall, residential investment should strengthen resulting in increased housing starts in the province over the next few years. Population growth has been, and continues to be, a key economic driver supporting residential building activity in the province. The announcement by the federal government to reduce immigration targets will mean a slowdown in population growth over the forecast period which should in turn help alleviate some pressure on the Island's housing market.


The prospect for employment in this occupation is very good as there continues to be a shortage of workers and unfilled vacancies in the province due to strong gains in both residential and non-residential investment. The demand for workers in this occupation is expected to remain favourable driven by continued housing development to support population growth, as well as maintenance, renovation, and repair work. Opportunities are expected to arise as there will be a need to replace workers who retire.


Self-employment may be another avenue to secure work as it is rather common in this field. The demand for these skilled workers tends to fluctuate seasonally, with employment needs strongest during the summer months and declining at other times of the year leading to periods of unemployment. Carpenters will need to keep abreast of advancements in technology which are shaping the occupation. For instance, workers will need to be able to read computer generated blueprints and be familiar with the latest tools. Also, carpenters should be mobile as they will be required to travel to various job sites across the region. Employment prospects will be better for experienced workers with specialized carpentry skills. Employment opportunities in other provinces may impact on the available pool of carpenters in Prince Edward Island. Because many experienced and skilled carpenters return to seasonal jobs with the same employers each year, those with entry-level skills may encounter competition for available employment opportunities. Those interested in establishing their own business may wish to explore investment opportunities in this occupation. In addition, due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities will vary depending on the time of the year. Employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.

Here are some key facts about Carpenters in Prince Edward Island:

  • Approximately 900 people work in this occupation.
  • Carpenters mainly work in the following sectors:
    • Construction (NAICS 23): 92%
  • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
    • Full-time workers: 94% compared to 84% for all occupations
    • Part-time workers: 6% compared to 16% for all occupations
  • 50% of carpenters work all year, while 50% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.
  • 30% of carpenters are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.
  • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
    • Men: more than 95% compared to 51% for all occupations
    • Women: less than 5% compared to 49% for all occupations
  • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
    • no high school diploma: 16% compared to 11% for all occupations
    • high school diploma or equivalent: 28% compared to 28% for all occupations
    • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 30% compared to 11% for all occupations
    • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 21% compared to 25% for all occupations
    • bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations
    • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

Job prospects elsewhere in Canada

Explore current and future job prospects for people working as an "apprentice carpenter" in Prince Edward Island or across Canada.

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