A one stop career centre is expected to come into place next year following the approval of legislation in the House of Assembly yesterday.The National Trading Board Amendment Act 2011, tabled by Minister of Economy Trade and Industry Patrice Minors, would bring the Career Development and Labour Relations sections of the Department of Labour and Training together with the National Training Board (NTB) to form a “single cohesive unit” acting under a single board.Speaking in the House of Assembly, Ms Minors said: “A one stop career centre system is one where Government’s various funded education, training and social programmes can be cohesively coordinated.”She added that it will provide “students, job seekers and employers with up to date information and referrals” and meet employers needs for “job ready, competent skilled workers and will address the needs of the people of Bermuda through training, education and employment.”Services and facilities will include a job listing databank, pre and post employment assistance, training assessment and development, job referrals, employment and career counselling, apprenticeship programme referrals, trade certification, assistance with financial aid and scholarships as well as Internet and computer services.Employers will also receive services from the centre, Ms Minors said.They will be able to access labour market information, access to Bermuda’s largest source of job ready applicants, applicant pre-screening and referral, a facility to list job vacancies, job assistance services for anticipated layoffs or terminating employees, applications for payroll relief or apprenticeship programme and sponsorship and a facility for on-site recruitment and interviews, workshops or training.“Overall, the Government is committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure that we promote long term sustainable growth in Bermuda in a variety of ways,” she said adding that the One Stop Career Centre was one of the Government’s highest priorities.Minister Minors went on to say that NTB’s role in apprenticeship and certification will continue, but that the Act was being amended to enable it to manage the one stop career centre when it launches next year.She also said a workforce development strategy report by the Arnold Group had recommended the concept of the centre.But the OBA criticised Government for taking so long to implement the results of the 2005 report. Dr Grant Gibbons said: “If it’s been around for so many years and not a lot has happened to put it in place why is it happening now?” he asked. “Had the Government started to move on this back in 2004, 2005 they wouldn’t be scrambling now to put it together.”Dr Gibbons also expressed concern about the NTB losing some of its independence and about the possible budget for the facility, but otherwise lauded the concept.