The National Certification Scheme is to be revitalised to help get Bermudian tradesmen back to work, Minister for Workforce Development Diallo Rabain announced yesterday.

Mr Rabain warned that guest workers who failed to register or complete the certification process could have their work permits cancelled.

He described the scheme is “a critical component of the sustainability of the workforce” and that Government had started the process to introduce training development programmes “to support the potential growth of Bermudians”.

Welders, vehicle service technicians, electricians and landscape gardeners are all required to register with the Department of Workforce Development by Friday, November 3.

Mr Rabain said: “Following the registration period, the National Certification programme will begin in earnest on December 4, 2017. This means all registered individuals will be expected to complete the requirements to achieve National Certification.

“Individuals should expect to participate in some form of training and/or assessment process that will allow evaluators to determine one’s level of competency and skill.

“All persons who have an expired certification must ensure that they register to recertify. National Certification credentials are valid for five years.

“Local tradesman not having any formal training or documentation of courses taken will be assessed by a panel made up of local industry professionals known as the Industry Assessment Panel.

“Any local tradesmen in need of skill-set upgrades to achieve certification will be given access to training opportunities via the Department of Workforce Development.

“Anyone identified as needing additional training to achieve certification will be given up to a year to satisfy the certification requirements.

“Mr Rabain added: “Staff at the Department of Workforce Development are ready to sit with, and assist, anyone needing to register for certification. Financial needs for certification will also be assessed to assist locals on an individual basis.”

Penalties, which include work permit cancellation, may be imposed on tradespeople who fail to register for national certification or to complete registration by the deadline.

Certification is an individual credential and penalties for failure to comply will fall on individuals, not their employer.

Applicants must already have an accredited or internationally recognised qualification or certification before a work permit will be issued.

Mr Rabain said: “There will be no more opportunities for guest workers to learn on the job. This is an opportunity that must be and will be reserved for Bermudians only.

“Only current work-permit holders will be allowed up to three months to qualify for National Certification.

“Businesses should be considering how to develop our local talent using internship, apprenticeship or trainee programmes.”

He added that some business owners had not registered with the department — a practice that had to end.

The Department of Workforce Development is to run an awareness campaign on certification to ensure everyone affected understands the rules.

Staff in the department will be available to assist.

Members of the Department of Workforce Development will provide further information about the process on Ocean 89 and Power 95 on Friday at 7.30am and 8.15am.

•For more information, call 292-3700 or visit the department website at www.dwd.bm