Housing the Department of Workforce Development at the Bermuda College campus in Paget will “connect the classroom to the workplace”, the institution’s head said today.

David Sam, president of the college, said the move ensures stronger alignment between education and industry, expanding training opportunities and work experience.

He spoke at a ribbon-cutting ceremony opening the department’s new headquarters.

Dr Sam said: “We need to make career pathways clearer — we must recognise the importance of retaining and developing Bermudian talent.”

He said the relationship between the college and the department “must be viewed as a strategic partnership” rather than two organisations providing services.

Dr Sam said the two could collaborate for a Bermudian workforce that is “more connected, more responsive and more focused on opportunities”.

“Let us build stronger opportunities between education and employment.

“Let us make skills development more accessible and let us recognise that when we invest in education, skills and opportunity we are investing in the future, strength and resilience of our entire community.”

He added: “Let’s invest in the people who will carry Bermuda forward to develop the next generation”.

Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, on hand to cut the ribbon with Dr Sam and education minister Diallo Rabain, said it “represents a new beginning”.

Mr Hayward said the college plays “a vital and an important” role within the community, equipping talent with the skills to compete.

He said the department’s aim was to “provide credentials, support apprenticeships, support career development and connect people with job opportunities”.

Mr Hayward said: “This partnership that we are now forging creates the synergy necessary so that we can ensure we meaningfully connect people with job opportunities.”

He said the campus provides “a clear bridge” for students to get direct career advice and counselling from the DWD facility and opportunities for educational advancement at the college.

He hailed the efforts of Sonya Clarke, the acting director of the DWD, who led the transition process, as well as those of Dr Sam.

Ms Clarke called the move a significant milestone in the department’s journey, bringing education, training, career development and employment services “close together”.

“At the heart of the opportunity are people we serve, students preparing for their futures, job seekers seeking direction, workers developing their skills and employers investing in Bermuda’s talent.”

Malika Cartwright, the department’s director, said the move represented “another step in the evolution and transformation of workforce development in Bermuda” — showing “how far this department has come, the many people that have contributed to its journey and the tremendous opportunity that still lies ahead”.

She said: “The department’s roots have always been grounded in helping Bermudians find employment, develop practical skills and access training.”

For more information on the Department of Workforce Development, visit www.dwd.bm