from the Department of Labour and Training.

Labour Minister Quinton Edness and Works and Engineering Minister C.V. (Jim) Woolridge unveiled the new four-year horticulture and landscaping apprenticeship programme recently.

The nine apprentices in the scheme started work on September 8 and the Employer Advisory Group -- who interviewed the applicants for the programme -- is currently seeking to fill an additional vacancy.

Mr. Edness told the nine men during a press conference: "The reason that we called you all here is because we wanted to meet you and tell you how proud we are of you for entering this scheme.

"I also wanted to tell you that we believe you will succeed in what you are doing because we know that you would not do it if you did not want to succeed.

"If you work hard this is going to lead onto other things for you and create benefits that you will enjoy. Maybe you don't see this right now but it will happen.'' Mr. Woolridge added: "The beautification of the Island has been done by chaps like yourselves. That's what you fellows will be doing for years to come -- if that's what you want.'' The programme is being funded by the Ministry of Works and Engineering but the initiative is a joint effort between that department and the Labour Ministry with help from the Bermuda College and the National Training Board.

"The Bermuda College have been very involved from the start and have been instrumental in helping to put the programme together,'' said Mr. Edness.

The apprentices will receive on-the-job training on a six-month rotational basis with a variety of employers including the Parks Department, Corporation of Hamilton, Port Royal Golf Course, Ariel Sands and Marriott's Castle Harbour Resort.

Also involved are the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Princess Hotel, West End Development Corporation, Aberfeldy Nurseries and Sousa's Landcare and Design.

The apprentices will receive off the job training and learn supporting knowledge on a day-release basis with specialist subjects taught by tutors from the industry as well.

Literacy, numerary and interpersonal skills will also be included in the programme and the Bermuda College will run this day release element as part of its Continuing Education programmes.

Mr. Edness noted that the programme would improve the men's personal and technical skills.

TRAINING TEAM -- The new horticulture and landscaping apprentices pose with some of the people who made the programme happen. Back row, left to right: Dion Ford, Ricardo Madden, Amori B. Browne, Kamal N. Worrell, Devon Foggo, Dennis Pilgrim, Dion Steede, Earl Tucker and Jonathon Richardson. Front row, left to right: Bermuda College's Helen Pearman Ziral, Health and Safety officer Doris Foley-Millett, Labour Minister Quinton Edness, Works Minister C.V. (Jim) Woolridge, Director of Parks designate Candy Foggo and Employers Advisory Group member Fiona Doe.