Employers have said they need more information before they can comment on Government plans to force some companies to take on Bermudian trainees in order to qualify for work permits.

The Bermuda Employers Council said it is waiting on more details on the proposal, announced in the Throne Speech, to tie training to permits. Early talks have been held on what seems to be a new quota system — but one official said: “Nothing specific has come out yet and that includes which jobs will be affected.”

In the Throne Speech, Government said that it plans to bolster training and employment chances for Bermudians by requiring employers in “some job categories” to hire a minimum number of trainees or apprentices “in order for that employer to qualify for work permits”.

Immigration Minister Derrick Burgess did not go into specific details at a press conference held after the speech on Friday.

But he said that he had met with international business representatives on the proposal, adding that talks on the subject would continue.

He said he had stressed to these companies that work permits would hinge on some training for Bermudians and added: “They are in line with that.”

Mr. Burgess said the training element required would be made clear to companies when they applied for permits.

He said that this would be carried out across the board, although he accepted flexibility would be needed with smaller companies with only five or six staff. The Minister also said Government would introduce a 14-week paid internship programme enabling youngsters to gain entry-level jobs, primarily in construction and hospitality.

A student jobs skills training programme, held after-school and on Saturdays, is also in the pipeline. Education Minister Randy Horton, meanwhile, will focus on basics — reading, writing and maths.

National standards based on best global standards will also be set up, according to the Throne Speech. Technical courses at secondary level will expand to graduates with skills like carpentry and construction, while an educational farming course and a fishing apprenticeship will also be established.

Mr. Horton also gave brief details about a new “rising stars” mentoring scheme.

This will celebrate high achievers in various professions from Bermuda and abroad and give youngsters opportunities to contact them and see how they reached the top of their trade. “Every single student in school is a star,” added the Minister. “We need to rub all of those stars and make them shine.”