Bermuda’s National Training Board has granted an internationally recognised certification to 45 local welders, under the National Certificate Programme.

Introduced in April last year, the programme requires assessment and training for the Island’s electrical and welding trades.

Getting national certification means a tradesman has passed the test and obtained a globally-recognised standard.

Economy Minister Kim Wilson delivered an update on the programme at this week’s Senate.

Senator Wilson said more welders will soon be able to qualify for the certificate, with an instructor from the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology the biggest welding school in the US currently testing Bermudian workers.

For the period of December 6 to 16, she said “tests will be available for all categories of welders, including those who work in the aluminium and stainless steel disciplines. The number of tests being administered during the period is expected to be 94”.

Sen Wilson added that, to date, 194 electricians have been recommended for national certification.

However, assessors recommended the National Training Board offer electricians more “specific industry related courses” via Bermuda College.

Sen Wilson also said car mechanics will become eligible for the national certificate in the coming year.

“There are a total of 47 Automotive Service Technicians registered with the National Training Board, and the process of national certification for this category will commence in January, 2011.”

She said: “We are pleased with the progress that the Board is making in ensuring that Bermuda standards are raised to a higher level of competence.

“I am again appealing to professionals in all trades to accept the challenge of becoming competitive.

“My message is singular in focus making ourselves marketable during this period involves training and retraining, if we are to stay competitive in the job market.”