Three new courses will be offered at CedarBridge Academy in 2005 ? Construction Technology, Electronics and Electrical Installation.

Announcing the new courses in the House of Assembly on Monday, observed that technical training is key to the success of students in the public education system.

?Technical training is part of a life-long process of training and education that enables an individual to move within an organisation and take advantage of future job opportunities in other fields if that is his/her wish,? he said.

?As a labour Government that is keen to ensure that the largest possible number of Bermudians are able to find suitable employment and have enjoyable workplace experiences, we know that technical training is essential.

?This is an effective way to improve the skills of our students, who are then able to be immediately useful to an employer.

?This increases productivity in the economy and the return on the investment both for the employer and society more general is tangible and measurable.?

The Ministry of Education and the National Training Board work together to ensure ?education for citizenship?, he said.

The new courses will better prepare students both for the technical studies programme at the Bermuda College, and for the working world.

?People who are able to be productive and contribute to society are better citizens,? Mr. Lister concluded.

?Technical training is essential because it enables more people to participate, and it improves the chances of success for people as they seek to find work and provide for themselves and their families.?