More than 100 people attended a meeting last night to discuss Bermuda’s National Training Plan.

The public were encouraged to ask questions about the document, which outlines initiatives to enable and assist Bermudians to pursue opportunities in key industries.

A panel comprising members of the National Training Board and experts from subcommittees who offered input into the plan were on hand to answer queries and note feedback, as was George Outerbridge, director of the Department of Workforce Development.

Premier Michael Dunkley also attended the Town Hall meeting at the Cathedral Hall in Hamilton, although he did not address those present.

Opening the discussion, Minister of Home Affairs Michael Fahy described the plan as “an extremely important document for the future of our country”.

“It is essentially a road map to ensuring our people are prepared for the right industries going into the future,” he said.

“The importance of undertaking national planning for a sustainable workforce in Bermuda is an urgent priority for the Government. We must work to up-skill the people of Bermuda in an effort to improve Bermuda’s competitive position in the delivery of products and services to local and global markets.

“I am extremely pleased to stand before you this evening to discuss the creation of Bermuda’s first ever National Training Plan.

“We see this plan as a tool to fulfil our goal of ensuring that Bermuda moves to a place of reducing our reliance on overseas labour because we will have carefully considered the future needs of the economy and developed our people.

“This document has been issued with the full expectation that it is a growing, living document that will develop over time as new opportunities and workforce needs arise. And that is why your input is so very crucial.

“As Bermuda moves to reposition itself as a top destination for business it is my hope that the National Training Plan will be seen as the standard bearer for the coordination and forward planning of the training and development needs of Bermuda’s workforce.”

The National Training Plan is being launched in two parts, to ensure continuing stakeholder input and that enough time is available for further consultation.

Phase one of the plan, which was under discussion at the meeting, is an analysis of key economic sectors and the job market. Phase two will focus on the development and implementation of training and entry-level positions across all sectors.

Jeff Sousa, chairman of the National Training Board, told the meeting the plan was a “forward looking document”.

He said it highlighted areas of growth and industries with high levels of expatriate staff that offered opportunities for Bermudians.

“In Government ministries the vast majority of jobs are filled by Bermudians and by 2020, 356 positions will be vacant as a result of retirement,” Mr Sousa said.

“In the hotels and hospitalities industry, of 717 chefs, 22 percent are Bermudians. There are many job opportunities as waiters and managers.

“Of the 1,841 employed by Bermuda Hospitals Board, 62 percent are Bermudians. There are clear opportunities for nurses and physiotherapists.”

Mr Sousa said the plan recommended that Bermudians were offered more “soft skills” training.

“We want to expand and monitor internships and address systemic issues that impede employment of Bermudians,” he added.

Questions included Chardonnae Paynter asking about help for skilled Bermudians with a higher education who could not get on the career ladder.

“I have PR and communications qualifications, I’ve been in school for seven years. I work as a sales assistant,” she said.

“I’ve volunteered my services to several agencies free of charge but to no avail. I can’t find anything and that saddens me.

“What will be done for young professionals to open a door?”

Mr Outerbridge described her situation as a “crying shame” and said the plan hoped to encourage internships to help young professionals get the experience required by companies.

He added: “People are asking for experience but you’re just back from college. We want to find a way to get individuals experience and get companies on board — whatever it takes.”

Cordell Riley asked the panel if there was a national succession plan, and what was being done to tackle the continuing decline in jobs.

Dr Radell Tankard, a member of the National Training Board and the meeting’s moderator, said they were looking at succession planning.

“Bursaries and training schemes are in place to direct young people in areas where there is need,” he added.

Mr Outerbridge said: “We’re looking at a programme with Bermuda College to fast-track individuals with accounting experience who don’t have designations.

“We’re working with the college on its nursing programme — of 422 nurses on the Island over 300 are work permits.”

He said in many industries there were “work permits coming up for renewal and we want to get Bermudians into those jobs”.

Youth worker Kerri Judd urged the National Training Board to focus on career opportunities for young people rather than jobs — to great applause from the audience.

“There’s a very big distinction between job opportunities and career opportunities,” she said.

“Our economy is shifting into a more knowledge-based one. What, if anything, has been done to provide training and opportunities and awareness of completely new careers that are just emerging?”

Panel member William Graham-Welton, chairman of the finance and insurance sub-committee, said: “Our focus was on what we know — certain jobs are available that aren’t being filled by Bermudians.”

Dr Tankard said: “We have a hotel programme in which students in S2 begin to explore potential careers — it’s looking at a career rather than a job.”

Other members of the public raised concerns about pay freezes for Bermudians and illegal workers in the construction industry, and the role of the Department of Education in the plan.

Residents also called for more mentoring for young people and partnerships with business so young people could learn from industry experts, rather than teachers, about the demands of certain careers.