Government is moving ahead with a technical education initiative started under the previous administration.Public Works Minister Trevor Moniz has officially launched the initiative, aimed at “promoting a sustainable workforce,” according to a press statement.The Public Works Ministry is providing sponsorships to five students to attend the New England Institute of Technology in various technical programmes.“It gives me great pleasure to officially launch a new technical education initiative that is aimed at promoting a sustainable workforce. Our Senior Management team has worked tirelessly to assess the current employee complement within the Ministry of Public Works Operations and Engineering,” Mr Moniz said.“The demand for certified professionals today is unprecedented. It is the intent of the National Training Board and the Department of Public Works through this partnership, to continue to emphasise the importance of qualifications and certifications as a way to demonstrate knowledge, skills and competency. It is also a way to allow for the continuance of operations for generations with individuals who are professional, proficient and committed in a vocational occupation.“We are grateful for the relationship that we have with the New England Institute of Technology through the NTB to allow a consistent approach in the development of local talent.”The news was warmly welcomed by the Opposition PLP which developed the programme when in Government."I am very pleased that these young gentlemen have headed off to further their education and develop skillsets that will enable them to return to Bermuda, qualified and ready to get to work,” said Shadow Public Works Minister Derrick Burgess.“We are proud that this relationship was started under a PLP Government and we note the fact that the OBA Government has endorsed the value of this programme by continuing it."The first batch of students are Dornielle Farrell — Associate Programme in Automotive Technology, Sergio Richardson — Associate Programme in Automotive Technology, Jonte Smith — Associate Programme in Automotive Technology, Ricardo Dias — Associates Programme in Body and Paint Technology and Dajon Carey — Bachelors Programme Service Management Technology.