Holland College Launches FutureWorks PEI 
to Strengthen Workforce and Business Innovation 

This initiative is supported by a monumental gift of $15M, the largest in the College’s history 

Holland College and the Holland College Foundation today announced FutureWorks PEI, a transformational initiative aimed at strengthening PEI’s economy by equipping learners for in-demand careers and supporting businesses to innovate and grow. This initiative is supported by a $15 million philanthropic gift from the Weston family. 

FutureWorks PEI will expand trades training, strengthen applied research, and grow advanced digital and AI education to address key workforce and productivity challenges facing Prince Edward Island. The initiative focuses on construction, bioscience, and digital and technical sectors – areas challenged by significant labour gaps where targeted skills training and innovation can deliver long-term economic resilience. 

Prince Edward Island is projected to face a shortage of more than 6,000 skilled workers by 2035 across construction, bioscience, digital and technical services, and manufacturing sectors, according to a December 2025 Labour Market Assessment prepared by Stiletto Consulting. The report also identifies aging demographics and declining workforce participation as growing constraints on the province’s ability to meet labour market demand, housing and infrastructure needs, and long-term economic growth. At the same time, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada reports that approximately 98 per cent of businesses are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), many of which face productivity challenges due to limited access to applied research, testing capacity, and digital adoption supports. 

“FutureWorks PEI is focused on impact – on connecting Islanders to in-demand careers and ensuring that PEI businesses have the talent and tools they need to grow and compete,” said Dr. Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald, President of Holland College.  “This initiative significantly expands our ability to respond to labour-market needs in construction, bioscience, and digital technologies, while strengthening the applied research partnerships that help local businesses innovate.” 

Futureworks PEI includes three expansions at Holland College aligned with PEI’s labour market needs and economic priorities:   

• Trades Centre Expansion at the Summerside Waterfront Campus to strengthen core construction trades training, introduce upskilling and reskilling for Red Seal and sustainable construction trades, add industry-aligned micro-credentials, and integrate applied research – supporting PEI’s housing and infrastructure needs. 
• Applied Biotechnology Research Centre Expansion at the Prince of Wales Campus to increase research capacity through modernized laboratories, new research chairs, student fellowships, and additional funds to support research and innovation, while giving SMEs access to expertise, testing, and technology and providing hands-on research experience for students. 
• Business Analytics, AI, and Cybersecurity Expansion to build PEI’s digital and cyber talent pipelines, including a new post-secondary cybersecurity program and expanded AI and data analytics research capacity, lowering barriers to SME innovation and digital adoption. 

Through these targeted actions, FutureWorks PEI will build a strong talent pipeline and support SME productivity and competitiveness, helping to ensure PEI can meet its housing, infrastructure, bioscience growth, and digital modernization needs. 

“Holland College plays a major role in PEI’s economic development ecosystem,” said Mark Ledwell, Board Chair of the Holland College Foundation. “This historic gift will greatly strengthen the College’s ability to translate philanthropy into real outcomes for learners, employers, and communities across the province.” 

Over the next five years, FutureWorks PEI will connect 175 businesses with applied research support to develop new technologies, products, and processes. It will also provide hands-on research experience to 150 students, helping them transition more quickly into meaningful, well-paying careers, while training more workers in high-demand sectors such as trades and digital technology. 

In this photo:
(L-R) Jessie Inman, Chair of the Holland College Board of Governors, Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald, President & CEO of Holland College, Hon. Rob Lantz, Premier of Prince Edward Island, Mark Ledwell, Chair of Foundation Board of Directors, Natalie Mitton, Vice President Academic & Applied Research and Incoming President of Holland College gather at Prince of Wales Campus on Monday where the College announced its multi-year FutureWorks PEI initiative, made possible by a monumental $15 million philanthropic gift.