Students will be able to make their first step on the career ladder thanks to a new work initiative launched by the Bermuda Employers Council (BEC).

The WorkReady programme, which prepares young Bermudians for the workforce, was officially launched by the BEC at CedarBridge Academy yesterday.

The programme, which will be part of the curriculum for Senior 4 pupils at the school, consists of six modules covered over four classes per week for a total of 14 weeks.

Among the companies backing the scheme were the Bank of Bermuda, the Association of Bermuda International Companies, Butterfield Bank, Island Glass, Bermuda Air Conditioning, the Marketplace, BCM McAlpine, MediaHouse and Total Marketing & Communications.

In order to achieve their WorkReady certificate, students will be required to complete all six modules, including WorkReady, Training in Business Attire, Excellence in Quality Customer Service, Introduction to Business Communication and e-mail Netiquette, The Polished Professional and Top-notch Telephone Techniques.

The certificate can be added to the students' resume portfolio and taken to their new employer, demonstrating that they have taken the initiative to develop their skills and enhance their understanding of what is needed in the workplace.

Martin Law, executive director of the BEC, read out a statement on behalf of BEC president Graham Redford at the launch, saying that the BEC had partnered up with senior schools, Government and employers to help provide school leavers with the life skills they require to enter, advance and succeed in their chosen career.

"For many years, the members of the Bermuda Employers Council have been concerned that many of our young Bermudian students do not possess the basic skills that employers require for entry-level positions when leaving the school system," he said.

"We feel that this is a national issue that needs to be addressed.

"By assisting students with professional development, training and finding suitable employment, not only do we help them to become better employees, but we also assist our members to become more productive in the ever-increasing competitive global market.

"This will eventually create a more viable and sustainable Bermuda, where the resulting economic benefits can be shared by all Bermuda citizens."

Mr. Law explained that the BEC, which will supply the qualified trainers and training material for the initiative, had been working with CedarBridge Academy over the past year to formulate the programme and hoped to expand it into other high schools in the next two years.

Yolanda Outerbridge, chairperson of the BEC's training and education committee and a representative from sponsors the Bank of Bermuda, emphasised the need to address the steady decline in job preparation and core skills, knowledge and ability acquired by young Bermudians.

"As sponsors, we believe that the BEC WorkReady programme is a catalyst for change and a way to mitigate trends of the past," she said.

"The corporate sponsors are delighted to support this initiative and are confident that the outcomes will certainly provide a sizeable return on investment to both individual employers and to Bermuda as a whole."