“Education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom”— Oprah Winfrey

Much has been said about the Government’s plans to reform education in our high schools. However, little, if anything, has been done.

For several years, the One Bermuda Alliance has been calling for the creation of an Independent Education Authority with professionals, not politicians, managing the education of our students.

We are pleased that the Government is considering this move, but with the new academic year merely days away, where are the Signature Learning Programme plans for CedarBridge Academy and the Berkeley Institute. These were promised for the 2022-23 school year.

We need to ensure that our students and young people are qualified and prepared to join our labour force, and have the opportunity to participate in the benefits of our society.

The most recent Labour Force Survey Report noted that the unemployment rate for persons aged 16 to 24 years was 32.1 per cent. Almost one third of our island’s youth was not working in 2020 — that is tragic.

A worrying 21.3 per cent of residents with no formal high school leaving certificate were unemployed — these individuals account for only about 5 per cent of the total workforce. Meanwhile, those with technical, vocational or bachelor’s degrees account for two thirds of the workforce, and just under 2 per cent were unemployed over the same period.

Less-educated residents are more at risk from unemployment.

Our high school students need to understand the opportunities available to them should they decide to pursue further education beyond the boundaries of our public education system. Getting a technical or vocational diploma will result in a median income of almost 40 per cent higher than those with no formal education certificate ... and a degree will provide median incomes in excess of 100 per cent more.

Technical and vocational training is key to many of the industries we have in Bermuda, yet how many employers actually provide on-the-job training? Can employers get tax breaks for offering these programmes? How will the new signature schools provide the necessary foundation for these students?

How is teacher training being conducted to deliver the essential skills and knowledge required to teach the signature programmes?

What measurables have been put into place to ensure the highest possible learning outcomes?

While Stem is predicted to be one of the biggest growth sectors globally, how is the Government seeking to attract foreign investment to our island to generate future employment opportunities?

How will the schools be held accountable?

Who is setting the curriculum?

These, and many others, are questions that need to be asked of government leaders ... and now, before we jeopardise any more years of learning for young Bermudians.

We need to ensure our educators, job creators and the Government are pushing to inform our students of the opportunities available, and the career paths they can take, to be successful in the future and contribute to the economy of our island; otherwise, economic suffering will continue.

• Victoria Cunningham is the deputy chairwoman of the One Bermuda Alliance and the candidate for Devonshire North Central (Constituency 13)