courses planned by Government.

Training will be carried out across the Island and targeted mainly at young people seeking trades. For example, people wanting work as waiters or in the car industry would benefit, Government say.

Retraining would also be provided for those hoping to get skills needed in today's hi-tech workplace.

Proposals are still at an early stage and no details have been worked out.

They will mark a major expansion of training already on offer.

Behind the moves are two Government Ministries -- Labour and Education.

Businessmen are also involved. It is hoped firms will offer scholarships for training schemes.

The venture was revealed yesterday by Labour Minister the Hon. Irving Pearman.

He said courses would be organised by Government's Training Council.

A $60,000-a-year Bermudian training officer was being hired to spearhead the initiative.

The person would be a professor in human relations.

"He or she will assist with the development and coordination of training programmes,'' said Mr. Pearman.

Mr. Pearman declined to name the person, saying the appointment had not been finalised with the Public Service Commission.

"The person is a Bermudian in another Government department who will be seconded to my Ministry.'' He hoped the officer would take up the post by the first week of April.

"That is when we start really moving forward.'' Mr. Pearman said two other people would help the person with training and retraining.

Government has allocated $100,000 in its Budget for the plan.

Explained Mr. Pearman: "$60,000 is for the salary, and $40,000 for development of programmes.'' He added some programmes were already in place -- but Government wanted training on a much bigger scale. "What we have is a concept, and we want a professional on board to develop a final strategy.

"We are planning a broad-based programme overall.'' Mr. Pearman said among the ideas were "extension courses'' at Bermuda College to gear students towards specific trades.

For example, these could help people train on word processors and get familiar with modern workplace technology.

It was planned to have courses at both ends of the Island, possibly at schools. Training would have to meet the needs of employers, said Mr. Pearman.

"Everything has to be based on what the market requires. The professional we are taking on will determine what the business community needs.'' Mr. Pearman said businesses would be encouraged to "buy technical scholarships''.

Under these a person could be sponsored by a company to attend a course. Mr.

Pearman said 16 to 18-year-olds -- coming out of education -- would be targeted.