computers.

These skills should be part of every Bermuda Secondary Schools' Certificate Course.

The call for the BSSC programme to be changed comes from the Premier the Hon.

Sir John Swan's Task Force On Employment.

In its report the task force says schoolchildren should be prepared to survive economic changes and capitalise on new opportunities.

Youngsters should be given the "foundation'' for becoming successful managers of small and large businesses.

"We strongly recommend a multi-functional approach should be required, which would properly prepare individuals for the needs of the future by causing them to think and analyse more.

"Education would be achieved less by recall and memory, but would use the basic skills in mathematics and verbal and written English, together with computers to complete other courses.

"In this way, English, mathematics, and computers would be tools used constantly by students in virtually every subject in the Bermuda Secondary Schools' Certificate (BSSC) Programme.

"However, the multi-functional approach would not mean that mathematics, English and computers would be eliminated as separate subjects.'' The report adds: "Additionally, the programme must include as part of each course assessments of co-operation, working as a team, problem-solving, interpersonal skills and interest in learning.'' There should be emphasis on technical training, the report states.

"Government should give consideration to ensuring that technical training is concentrated and delivered in one institution, preferably in the Bermuda College.'' Government is also urged to meet changing technology and international competition by forming a "human resources'' division in the proposed new Institute of Economic Development.

This division would ensure effective training for Bermudians, and hammer home the message in schools that education is a "life time achievement''.

It would also constantly assess jobs and skills that are in demand.

And then it would set out to match these assessments with training at schools and colleges.

Another aim of the institute would be to boost career counselling at schools.

"In ensuring the provision of effective training of Bermudians for present and future opportunities, we recommend that the human resources division should encourage the award of grants, scholarships, and bursaries, taking into consideration forecasted employment opportunities without ignoring academic and artistic students.'' The report says the "human resources'' division would have to tackle the problem of students picking careers which offer few jobs in Bermuda.

Appropriate information had to be given to students and parents.

And the institute would also have to spotlight jobs held by foreigners which could be snapped up by Bermudians.

"The largest categories where Bermudians can take the place of non-Bermudians require good to higher educational/training requirements, good interpersonal skills, reliability etc.

"All parents, students, counsellors, educators and employers should embrace these needs and the human resources division should constantly reinforce public awareness.'' The report outlines areas of future employment in Bermuda.

These relate to tourism, construction, international business, the Bases, small businesses, and the retirement of people aged 60 and over.

There is a warning, however.

"Unless another hotel is brought into operation, there is no prospect of increasing total hotel employment numbers.

"Renewed efforts are required to get a new hotel going to help the economy generally and to provide direct Bermudian employment, particularly in low skill categories, where persons are currently unemployed or on social assistance.''