The Department of Labour and Training has confirmed that the majority of staff of Trimingham Brothers Ltd. plan to remain in the retail sector in Bermuda once the store closes its doors at the end of July.

Following the announcement of the closure, Labour and Training Minister Randy Horton promised to offer training initiatives through Training and Employment Services and a dedicated job placement desk was set up in their Reid Street offices.

Training and Employment Services coordinator Allen Richardson said that, within days, 50 staff members approached the department for training and information concerning employment after July.

“We also went to Trimingham’s and offered our services to staff for two weeks,” he said.

Mr. Richardson said about 70 of the more than 200 staff members approached the department for advice and help during this time.

Only four staff members were looking for immediate employment, while the majority said they would remain at Trimingham’s until its closure at the end of July.

“There are also a number of staff who will continue to work until August,” Mr. Richardson said.

Those who approached the department primarily requested basic computer training, he added.

“We’re hoping that Trimingham’s management will allow staff members the time needed to attend some of these courses,” he said.

And the Department of Labour and Training plans to open its doors on Saturdays for additional training to take place.

“The majority of staff confirmed that they would remain in the retail sector, while between 20 and 25 have signed up for computer training,” Mr. Richardson. “A few are hesitant to remain in the industry which is why they want training.”

This training, he said, would start sometime in the next month.

Government will foot the bill as it continues to work at helping the staff, the “overwhelming majority” of whom are Bermudians.

Mr. Richardson said that many staff members feared they would not find new jobs, even with training.

“It’s an ongoing process,” he said. “We are also requesting resum?s from those seeking immediate work so that we can help place them.”

He said the department was offering to send resum?s out to various companies on behalf of staff members and also offered services to those in need of help drafting professional resum?s.

Mr. Richardson was quick to add that this service is open to anyone in Bermuda who needs help finding work – not limited Trimingham’s staff.

Some Trimingham’s staff members this week said they have been happy with the help that’s been offered by the Department of Labour and Training.

While no one wanted to be identified, staff members also said they felt they were being treated fairly and that Trimingham’s management is “going out of their way” to help them.

A few admitted they were apprehensive about entering the job market, especially some who have been with the store for more than a decade, while others were afraid that finding work after the season ended would be difficult.