Legislation to set up a new National Training Board comes up for its second reading in the House of Assembly.

And Government believes it should attract cross-party backing.

The National Training Board Bill 1997 -- piloted by Labour Minister Quinton Edness -- repeals the Apprenticeship and Training Act 1971.

The Board would work with employers in setting up apprenticeship schemes, with successful trainees receiving certificates.

Mr. Edness recently explained the Board would take over the role of the Apprenticeship and Training Council (ATC) and greatly enhance it.

It would cover such areas as computer technology, clerical duties, administration and hotel work.

"This is one of Government's major initiatives and will expand our training capability,'' said Mr. Edness.

He added the new training board should be up and running by the fall.

Among its functions would be to ensure: an adequate supply of trained manpower in occupations in all branches of economic activity; the quality and efficiency for training apprentices and trainees were improved; certificates of efficiency were handed out.

The Board would also investigate contract disputes between apprentices and employers, help bosses provide on-the-job training and assist Bermudians in finding placements.

Also on the agenda today is The Motor Car Amendment (No. 2) Act 1997.

The legislation would amend the Motor Car Act 1951 to relax the requirements for examining cars for licensing purposes.

Under it, a new car first registered on or after January 1, 1993, would need only to be examined for licensing purposes in the third and fifth years, and annually thereafter.

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