Nearly 1,000 people are registered to gain national certification in a variety of trades, the Minister of Education and Workforce Development told the House of Assembly yesterday morning.

Diallo Rabain said a total of 964 tradespeople, 576 Bermudians and 388 work-permit holders, fall under the “designated occupations” covered by the certification scheme.

Occupations included are landscape gardener, vehicle mechanic, electrician and welder.

Mr Rabain said: “National certification is directly aligned with workforce development initiatives and is meant to create a level playing field and build a competitive advantage for all Bermudian trades professionals.

“This process is instrumental to providing enhanced work opportunities for Bermudians and was designed to ensure an outcome of potential growth, increased confidence and improved quality and efficiency of our workforce.”

Mr Rabain added that welders had completed a practical training assessment and electricians had undergone training courses over the past few months.

He added that seven vehicle mechanics and two electricians won national certification last month.

Mr Rabain said the National Training Board had also approved apprenticeship contracts for four young Bermudians entering the workforce, with three to train as electricians and one as a landscape gardener.

In addition, the Department of Workforce Development has teamed up with the Department of Financial Assistance and the Bermuda Hospitality Institute to train people as housemen and chambermaids for the hotel industry.

The Fairmont Southampton has agreed to carry out the practical training for the candidates and the first group of 25 will start a two-week course this month.

Another 25 are expected to take the course in March.

• For the full ministerial statement click on the PDF link under “Related Media”