Chamber construction division backs trades internship scheme
A $15,000 donation to support young people interested in trades careers has been announced by the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce.
The funding from the Construction Association of Bermuda, the chamber’s construction division, will back a pilot internship programme to launch in January.
In the 13-week scheme, young Bermudians will be exposed to careers in trades through a combination of classroom learning and real-world job-site experience.
It will be run by SkillCraft Bermuda, a youth employment charity, in partnership with Urban Construction Services.
The chamber said that its construction division, which amalgamated with the CAOB last year, is “committed to fostering initiatives that develop talent, strengthen industries and support Bermuda’s economic resilience”.
Bryan Adams, a co-chairman of the construction division, said: “We are delighted to provide this donation to SkillCraft.
“This programme aligns well with our goals to promote trades training in the construction industry.”
The chamber added that the donation aligns with its broader goal to “create tangible opportunities for Bermuda’s next generation”.
It said: “It also marks a significant step forward in bridging the gap between education, training and employment in a sector vital to the island’s growth.”
Jennifer Woods, the chamber’s chief executive, added: “This is more than a financial contribution — it’s an investment in Bermuda’s future.
“The trades have long provided stable, rewarding careers and this programme gives young people a foot in the door.
“We’re proud to be part of an initiative that delivers both skills and opportunity.”
The Trades Skills Internship pilot will run from January 12 to April 10.
It will support five interns aged 18 to 24, each placed with a host construction business for the duration of the programme.
Participants will engage in two days of classroom-style instruction and three days per week on site, gaining hands-on skills and earning National Centre for Construction Education and Research certification upon completion.
Interns will also receive a stipend to support their participation.
SkillCraft continues to seek additional host businesses willing to support the scheme.
Margot Shane, the charity’s founder, said: “We are deeply grateful to the Construction Association of Bermuda and the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce for supporting this pilot programme, which gives young Bermudians hands-on experience in the trades.
“Initiatives like this are only possible through strong community and industry partnerships, and their backing underscores the value of collaboration in building meaningful career pathways.”
The Department of Planning reminded the public that its survey on the use of alternative construction materials and techniques in Bermuda remains open.
As the methods become more common, the department seeks community feedback to help assess their long-term impact on the island’s visual character and to guide future policy decisions.
A survey is available on the Department of Planning’s website at www.planning.gov.bm and on its official Facebook page.
Members of the public were encouraged to share their views before the survey closes on December 5.
For more information or help to access the survey link, contact the department on 297-7756.
When the internship plan was announced in June, SkillCraft said that the aim was to rebuild the island’s trade sector with fresh talent.
A spokeswoman said then: “Bermuda faces an evolving challenge as a significant portion of its skilled trades workforce nears retirement, academic skills have been prioritised over vocational skills and foreign labour is being used to fill crucial roles and plug the gap.
“While there is abundant work available and a clear need for Bermudian talent, many young people do not see clear pathways to enter these valuable fields and benefit from hands-on learning opportunities.”
Ms Shane added at the time: “The programme will include one-on-one coaching and key skills development including self-discipline, initiative, punctuality, reliability and effective communication.
“This ensures interns are not only gaining technical skills but are also developing the professionalism and work ethic necessary for sustained success in any industry.
“Our goal is to provide a structured, supportive, paid experience that enables young people to explore trades careers in a hands-on way, while gaining internationally recognised certifications and skills that will serve them even if they choose not to remain in the trades.”
Applications for the internship programme will remain open until midnight tomorrow.
Interested young Bermudians can visit www.skillcraft.bm/tradesinternship for more information.
Business operators who would like to learn more about hosting opportunities can e-mail info@skillcraft.bm.
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