Bermuda?s construction industry is dominated by expatriates because there aren?t enough talented Bermudians to do the job, claimed Alex DeCouto director of The Construction Association of Bermuda.

?According to the 2000 Census data, administrative and management positions within the construction industry are dominated by oversees professionals,? Mr. DeCouto said.

?As one of Bermuda?s largest employers, the construction industry like many others has been experiencing a significant lack of young Bermudian individuals seeking long-term career opportunities.

?There are so many jobs available and we don?t have the skilled people to fill positions.?

Mr. DeCouto thought the reason for the lack of local professionals was historically and in his experience that construction was seen as an alternative career path for those who were ?less academically inclined?.

?This is a stereotype we would like to change,? he said, ?If students are not interested in the fields of insurance, banking or business here is another well-paying alternative.?

The Construction Association of Bermuda (CAOB) in conjunction with the National Training Board (NTB) have introduced a new scholarship for students wishing to study construction related subjects in university.

Some of the subject areas can include: construction including project management and construction management; surveying including land, building, quantity and valuation; engineering, including civil, mechanical, and electrical.

?This list is only a sampling of potential college programmes that the CAOB would endorse,? said Mr. DeCouto.

?I can?t stress enough that the list is by no means definitive, and that we can review any course a prospective candidate may have in mind to see if it might meet the requirements of the CAOB.

Mr. DeCouto said the award for education in construction related disciplines is for $15,000, for the academic year commencing in September, 2004.

?The scholarship may be renewed, subject to satisfactory academic progress and the number of other potential candidates,? he said.

The closing date for applications is July 31.

He said these are high profile, financially rewarding and technically challenging roles, which would easily contend with anything the legal, insurance and other business professions have to offer.

Mr. DeCouto said the CAOB is planning to launch an awareness campaign outlining potential career paths.

?We are also going to be working with school guidance counsellors in an aim to let young people know that we are here,? he said.

?We plan to identify established diploma, degree and graduate programmes at premier colleges and universities in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, which would meet our requirements and ensure a highly successful career in construction on the Island.?

He said the level of complexity in the building trade is much more than bricks and mortar, although the industry still needs qualified masons and carpenters.

But he said: ?Nowadays people want intelligent houses and buildings, the Internet to turn off their fridge and push button lighting.

?There are all sorts of technical systems.?

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