The Department of Workforce Development is spearheading the development of a “National Talent Pool” for those interested in construction opportunities.

“New construction projects are beginning in various places on island, and forecasts suggest that this activity could remain steady during the next five-year period,” home affairs minister Patricia Gordon-Pamplin stated.

“The development of a list of talented general labourers and construction workers will undoubtedly assist employers seeking ‘work ready’ individuals.”

She added that the construction industry recognises the need for individuals to possess basic core knowledge and proficiency.

“In this regard, the Department of Workforce Development and the Construction Association of Bermuda are organising worksite safety training courses to prepare workers.

“We are all aware that technology changes frequently and, as a result, there is a continuous call for a certified and skilful workforce. The Department of Workforce Development is ready to lend tuition assistance to those who are unemployed and underemployed and wish to seriously engage in programmes that will teach them best practice applications based on accredited industry standard curriculum.”

Ms Gordon-Pamplin added: “We are asking individuals to be open and ready to participate in a Health and Safety programme and participate in an Introductory to Craft Skills programme if applicable.

“We want to provide you with the best support in order to increase your chances of obtaining work opportunities in this rapidly expanding construction industry.”

Interested individuals should register today with the Department of Workforce Development to increase their chance of being selected to work on a current or future construction project.

To register, complete an employment intake form that can be downloaded from www.dwd.bm or visit the department. Prepare a written resume — a career development officer can assist you if do not have one — and any work references. Bring a passport or any Bermuda Government issued document to evidence that you are Bermudian (voter’s ID card or official letter/spousal letter from immigration).

Responding to the news, Rolfe Commissiong, the workforce development spokesman for the Progressive Labour Party, said the proposal was “not without merit”.

However he attacked the OBA’s record of creating jobs, saying: “It is yet another reminder of the OBA’s failure to keep their promise to create 2,000 jobs for Bermudians; they lack a coherent plan to create jobs and possess a seeming inability to grasp that Bermudians need work in fields beyond construction.”

Mr Commissiong also said the government had ignored calls to produce a workforce development strategy, diversify the economy or invest in training Bermudians.

“The OBA’s limited ideas are limiting Bermudian opportunities and as a result Bermudian jobs continue to shrink under the OBA while non-Bermudian jobs continue to grow,” he added.

He called on the creation of a National Skills Strategy and skills registry to help get Bermudians back into the workforce, along with the introduction of an Office of Economic Diversification.