A career fair and expo offering a fresh look at Public Service work was hailed by attendees yesterday at Pier 6, with representatives from 11 ministries as well the uniformed services, and the Royal Bermuda Regiment and others.

School pupils, graduates, job seekers and working professionals turned out from noon.

Krista Dyer, a personal trainer, said: “I’m looking to pivot out of my current job in the next few years. I’m getting older and it’s getting more difficult. There’s also a lot of volatility in the industry.

“I was just looking for something that’s still pretty hands-on and physical.”

She found a few offerings “eye-opening”.

“Definitely the Department of Health, that’s definitely something, and even things like the fire service and the Department of Marine and Ports.”

Ms Dyer added: “I can’t recall anything like this.

“Everyone seems to be really engaging, willing to share information and answer questions.”

Jobseeker Temi Goke was surprised at the scale of the organisation.

He said: “It’s helped a lot, and it gives a face to the people behind the organisation.”

Daniel Gatare, 15, a pupil at The Berkeley Institute, was encouraged to attend by his father.

The S2 pupil, planning for a career in accounting and finance, took interest in Public Service opportunities.

Micah Carter, 20, was there to find work. The 20-year-old, interested in technology, was keen on the Department of Information and Digital Technologies.

Civil servants spoke to The Royal Gazette about their departments and vacancies, as well as why they chose a career in the public service and why people should join.

The Department of Workforce Development oversees career development and training in Bermuda.

Department director Sonya Clarke said the response to the fair had been positive, with a great mix of people.

She said: “I’m passionate about helping my fellow Bermudians.

She called the public sector “a life journey for me, and I’m still excited about what we do”.

Chief Immigration Officer Danette Ming heads a 50-strong team at the Department of Immigration.

Dr Ming said: “No two days are alike, and I get great pleasure in being able to assist individuals, resolve issues or even just give information about what people are applying for or asking about.”

“Today we’re promoting a customer service rep position, senior immigration inspector position and immigration officer. These are entry level but there is the ability to move up.”

Destynie Weir is approaching 16 months in her role as probation officer with the Department of Court Services.

She said: “Every day is different. We deal with real people, real experiences and real life.

“People should join us because we are a very welcoming department with people from different backgrounds.”

Kievone Simmons, who works as a mentor teacher in the Department of Education, said: “I’ve always been interested in teaching, it’s always been my passion.”

She said of the Public Service: “There are opportunities to progress, 100 per cent.”

Ben Crofton and Neriah Bean, both 19, have just started summer internships at the Department of Energy.

Mr Crofton said: “I found out about this on the Bermuda Scholarships website.

“I’m studying mechanical engineering. Working in Bermuda and helping people is something I’m interested in.”

Mr Bean added: “I’ve always been looking at Bermuda, how its future runs and how it’s going to be running, and I want to be part of it.

“Yes, private sectors are cool. But, at the same time, I’m an advocate for Bermuda. I want to see my country thrive.”

He added: “Life is about service, and I wanted to give that back to the community. I believe other people should do that, too.”

Chief environmental officer James Johnson said he was loving life at the Department of Environmental Health after arriving from England in December.

His arrival on a work permit highlights the difficulties faced by the department in hiring Bermudians.

Mr Johnson said: “We have failed to tell people about [the department].

“Everybody knows what a doctor does and a nurse. But nobody knows what an environmental officer is.

“It’s the best job in the world. We cover every aspect of a person’s life. The food you eat, the water you drink, the air you breathe and the sea that you swim in.”

Prior to relocating to Bermuda, Mr Johnson worked for a council in Britain.

He said: “My motivation is helping people. I have done this for 25 years, and it’s an incredible job all-around serving people and the community.”

Department of Statistics director Melinda Williams is working with her team on Bermuda’s e-census.

She said: “[I work in the Public Service] because I like to be of service to my people and my country, and no one does the census. I enjoy it, it’s a huge undertaking.

“I also enjoy working with my staff, seeing them grow, learn and develop.”

Corporal Sikudhani Robinson said the Royal Bermuda Regiment was perfect for anyone looking to learn new skills, meet new people and make extra income.

Firefighter Charles Butterfield explained that Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service would be hiring in November, while a recruitment course was ongoing with nine prospective firefighters.

Bermuda Police Service Acting Superintendent Alex Rollin told of how the force were looking to recruit police staff just as much as officers.

Mr Rollin said: “You are joining because you want to help.”

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