Bermuda College will run an intensive technical adult education programme this summer - to combat what it described yesterday as a looming "crisis" in the Island's technical trades.

Llewellyn Trott, the college's associate vice president of technical education, warned that the lack of qualified local tradesmen would eventually bring Bermuda to a grinding halt.

"Bermuda is at a critical point when it comes to providing qualified and certified trades persons," he said, adding that if all the guest workers in the motor industry were to leave the Island tomorrow "Bermuda would come to an instant standstill".

The college's division of applied science and technology is offering a six-week introductory programme in technical education starting May 28 in the hope that participants will then enrol in a specialised course in the fall.

A new welding course will be on offer as well as training in trades such as electronics, electrical wiring, wood and plumbing technology, automotive technology and heating, ventilating and air conditioning.

The summer programme - which will run on evenings and Saturdays - will give basic and foundational knowledge and skills in six theoretical and practical modules ranging from hand and power tools to blueprint reading and rigging.

The college - which has been criticised in the past for not offering enough technical courses - is planning a series of initiatives over the next few months to boost its technical education programme.

To find out more about the course call the college on 236-9000 or visit www.college.bm.