Government initiatives should lead to virtually 100 percent employment of Bermudians, it was claimed yesterday.

Minister of Labour and Immigration, Derrick Burgess, said schemes such as the Workforce Development Strategy and National Training Board will work towards the goal.

Mr. Burgess said: "It is altogether unacceptable that there are significant numbers of Bermudians, primarily young black Bermudians, who seem to have opted out out of the workplace.

"Those who want to work, those with the right attitudes, do find work; there are jobs available for them.

"Unfortunately, too many in our community simply do not want to work, a situation that must be turned around. Bermuda is a community where there should be virtually 100 percent employment by locals."

One group that could turn the trend around is the Workforce Development Strategy, which is being developed and managed in collaboration with the Arnold Group based on Rhode Island.

The aim is to develop an educated, skilled motivated workforce. They have been allocated nearly $1 million.

He also said $3.3 million ? a fifth of the Ministry's $15 million budget ? was going to the National Training Board to further the technical training of Bermudians.

Approximately $1.8 million will be spent on NTB training programmes this fiscal year.

Bermuda currently relies on 10,000 guest workers, Mr. Burgess said with the continued success of NTB the number of guest workers required in technical jobs will be reduced and the jobs filled by qualified Bermudians.

He said the NTB, which provides training locally and abroad in a variety of technical areas, was one of the Government success stories.

A student who was funded by NTB to attend the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic in Jamaica and studied garment making said she was pleased the Government was continuing to invest in technical training.

Carla-Faye Hardtman, 21, graduated from her programme with a 4.0 grade point average ? an unprecedented achievement at the institution.

Miss Hardtman, from Devonshire, said: "I would urge young Bermudians to get involved with the NTB programmes. They give you the stepping stones to the education you need for your chosen profession.

"I most likely would not have been able to go on the course without the help of the NTB. I am glad to hear that more Bermudians will get to have the same chance that I got."

The Minister also pledged more technical training opportunities for the youth and said the Government provided 14-week paid internships that allow young Bermudians gain entry level jobs in various industries. The internship will involve classroom and on the job training.