The National Training Board has launched a national certification for technical service and tradesmen.

The first National Occupational Certificates will be awarded in December 2007 and every auto service technician, electrician and welder will be required to have the certification by December 31, 2009.

The national certification is an award that recognises the individual’s knowledge, skill and experience in the profession.

Minister of Labour, Derrick Burgess, said yesterday: “The primary mandate of the National Training Board (NTB) is to take all necessary measures for ensuring that there is an adequate supply of trained manpower in occupations in all branches of economic activity in Bermuda.

“The preparations of workers in the technical or trades areas has been the focus of the NTB to date and the Bermuda National Occupation Certificate programme reflects the Government’s belief that the community has a right to expect a certain standard of performance of its technical workers.”

He said the certification programme was equal to international standards and would enable tradesmen to move more freely in the job market on and off the Island. And added that other trades would be included in the future.

Herman Tucker, Chairman of the NTB, said: “The national certification of our incumbent technical service and tradesmen workforce is our most significant challenge. Technical service workers and tradesmen should be neither unduly concerned nor intimidated by the national certification process.

“If everyone cooperates the process will be seamless, efficient and effective.”

He added that the NTB had enough staff to ensure that tradesmen will be assisted individually to ensure that they meet the requirements for the certificate. The programme was designed to improve customer satisfaction, increase productivity allow greater work mobility and improve safety for workers and customers.

The first wave of people to receive the certificates will be those who have successfully completed an apprenticeship or training programme.

Skilled auto service technician, electrician and welders who have been working without qualifications will not be required to enter an apprenticeship or programme. Instead they will have to complete one or more oral, written or practical exams to illustrate that they have the knowledge and skill set required to work in their profession.

The certificates will be valid for five years, those that fail to have one by December 31, 2009 will be fined $10,000.

The application fee is $150 while the certificate and wallet card fee is $75.

For more information go to www.gov.bm or call 292-3700.