A plan to temporarily house the Department of Workforce Development at the Bermuda College campus in Paget is expected to boost the academic arrangement between the two organisations, the college president has said.

David Sam added that the educational institution’s strong relationship with the department was pivotal to the island’s growth.

The college has been involved in a number of partnerships over the years to strengthen its academic mandate and boost its reach.

However, Dr Sam singled out its arrangement with the DWD and told The Royal Gazette: “For about two years they will be here, so there will be a lot of synergies between the college and the department.

“So that is a strong partnership that is going to benefit the college, the department and the whole island.”

The workforce development department is being housed at the college while its premises on Parliament Street in Hamilton undergo renovation.

As part of its mandate, the DWD refers individuals to the college for skills trade training.

Dr Sam noted that the arrangement could be to the students’ advantage.

He said: “There are people who need experienced training, such as in carpentry, masonry and so forth.

“Between downtown Hamilton and here, a lot of things could happen. A person may change their mind, or get some challenges in getting here and so forth.

“With them right on campus, it is next door, and so if there is anyone who is being referred, it will be to go to the building next door here to have training that they need.

“So, yes, the synergy is going to be really strong.”

To boost the island’s workforce, the Government provides financial support to students through scholarships — which usually cover full tuition — to study at the college.

Classes start on August 25 and Dr Sam said the registration process remains open.

“It is not too late — call, contact us and let us help you in the direction that you need to go,” he added.

As Dr Sam, who marks his first anniversary as president this week, looked forward to his second year at the college, he said the institution was poised to ensure that students fulfil their academic potential.

A workforce development department spokesman confirmed the move, saying the present site of the unit “requires renovation work to sufficiently support its services to the public”.

“Thankfully, Bermuda College has a space that is centrally located and easily accessible, which will permit the department to carry out its functions while these works are being completed,” he added.

The spokesman said that the arrangement was not expected to have an impact on any department services.

He added: “Through the Department of Workforce Development, the Bermuda Government has a long history of collaboration with the Bermuda College, which focuses on educating our young Bermudians.

“This collaboration will surely strengthen, given the opportunity for the department and the college to work in proximity to one another."