Job prospects Central Air Conditioning Mechanic in Prince Edward Island

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Explore current and future job prospects for people working as a "central air conditioning mechanic" 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

The employment outlook will be very good for Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics (NOC 72402) 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.

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.

Continuous learning is important in this occupation due to technological changes, increasingly complex systems and changes in codes and regulations. There is a growing focus on energy efficiency and environmental protection. Job seekers are required to complete a mandatory apprenticeship and obtain a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Trade Certification and may be required to hold several certifications in addition to the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Trade Certification, such as an Ozone Depletion Prevention (ODP) Certificate and a Gas Fitter Certificate. 

Federal measures including a strengthened Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program with increased funding and grants for households for the installation of heat pumps (and free heat pumps for lower income households) should create additional employment opportunities in this occupation over the forecast period.

Here are some key facts about Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics in Prince Edward Island:

• Approximately 100 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
• Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Construction (NAICS 23): more than 95%
• 63% of heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics work all year, while 38% 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 44 weeks compared to 41 weeks 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: n/a
  • high school diploma or equivalent: 18% compared to 28% for all occupations
  • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 35% compared to 11% for all occupations
  • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 35% compared to 25% for all occupations
  • bachelor's degree: n/a
  • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a