Young Bermudians are now being invited to apply for a new 13-week trades programme launching in January. The initiative comes out of a determined fundraising push by SkillCraft Youth Internship founder Margot Shane, who only weeks ago wasn’t sure she would reach the $50,000 needed to bring the programme to life.

Thanks to the community rallying behind the effort — and a partnership with Urban Construction Services — five successful applicants will now have the chance to gain certification and develop hands-on trade skills through a mix of classroom instruction and real-world experience.

The programme will run from January 12 to April 10, and applicants must be willing to commit to full-time hours throughout the 13 weeks. To ensure they can focus fully on their training without financial strain, participants will receive health insurance and a stipend. Prior experience isn’t necessary.

“We are excited to support the next wave of young Bermudians entering the trades,” said Allanette Hayward, founder of Urban Construction Services. “This internship gives young people real exposure to the industry, guided training, and a chance to build confidence alongside experienced professionals. It also offers local businesses a meaningful, structured way to help grow the talent our island needs for the future.”

The programme was made possible with support from the Centennial Bermuda Foundation, Talcott Re, Everen, Ascot, Hiscox, the Construction Association of Bermuda, Batson Swan and Willis.

“We’re incredibly thankful to all of our sponsors for standing behind this pilot programme,” Ms Shane said.

“Their support ensures that young Bermudians can access meaningful, hands-on experiences in trades as they explore careers in the trades — a true example of what community partnership can achieve.”

Aside from having young people sign up, all that’s needed are five construction businesses to serve as host sites for the interns. SkillCraft and Urban Construction Services will handle all training, certification and support.

“We need tradespeople or businesses operating in the trades who are willing to take on a young person. We'll be teaching the basic certificate. They'll do a carpentry project. There's roofing, masonry,” Ms Shane added.

She said that, because the programme is a pilot, SkillCraft and its partners will be learning what works as they go. Some companies may finish the programme wanting to host a young person in the future, and if they apply, she’ll be able to determine which placements would be a good fit and which would not.

“So I'm looking for young people who want to explore their next step in a really hands-on way,” Ms Shane said. “It's just an opportunity to try something different.”

While the initiative is aimed at people between the ages of 18 and 24, 17-year-olds may also be considered if they are able to meet the demands of the programme.

“That's an option but I'm really looking at young people who've maybe gone off to university and are coming back. Maybe university hasn't worked for them because they've chosen the wrong course, or they just weren't ready and now they need structure, they need a path and some guidance to be able to create a network,” said Ms Shane.

“They do not need prior experience. They just need an interest, enthusiasm, willingness to learn and commitment to work — and openness to being uncomfortable.”

Ms Shane hopes that young people who might not yet have discovered what career they are interested in will see the programme as a chance to explore their options.

“Maybe you find a career that you actually enjoy. Maybe you meet some people who can mentor you. Maybe you make connections — to new things and new people who enable you to go somewhere different with your life,” she said.

As such, she said that any host businesses that come on board should be prepared to provide real instruction and understand that the young person is there to learn, not serve as a full-time employee.

“[They need to] understand that this is not free labour. I'm taking off some of the financial and administrative burden of having a young person for an extended work experience placement,” she said.

“I don't want to make out like it's an apprenticeship. You're not being an apprentice. You're trying something new in a very hands-on way, to see if you like it. You've got a job for three months. It just so happens that you were being trained while doing it.”

She likened it to SkillCraft’s successful flagship programme, a six-week social-media course that also combines classroom learning with hands-on experience in a business setting.

“Our internships are about helping young people explore careers and find their path in a supported way. There are incredible opportunities for fulfilling careers in Bermuda’s trades sector — this programme helps young Bermudians gain the skills, confidence, and certification they need to start that career in trades,” she said.

“Come try something new. Outcome number one: you’ll get a certificate that you can use anywhere in the world. Outcome number two: you’ll test some assumptions — do you like this? Do you not? Outcome number three: you’ll meet some people who may be able to help you along the way, and you’ll develop your workplace behaviours and social skills.”

• Young Bermudians and host businesses have until November 28 to apply for the Trades Skills Internship, offered through SkillCraft Youth Internship in partnership with Urban Construction Services. More information and the application form are available at www.skillcraft.bm/tradesinternship