Tradesmen were awarded national certification certificates for welding at a ceremony.

The successful certificate winners included Kyle Tucker and Romeo Laude, of Perfect Pass Welding, Kevin David Shiell and Vincent Smith of Executive Iron, Stephen Dickinson and Erwin Loria of Mass Ltd, Aaron Hooper of Ornamental Iron Works, Merryck Anthony Jones of Crisson Construction and Omar Kendall Rawles, of Belco.

The nine welders all successfully completed a two-day practical assessment administered by a Canadian Welding Bureau assessment team.

Jason Hayward, the Minister of Labour and Economy, thanked the employers and businesses who helped to support the welders as they earned their certificates.

"You make it possible by giving employees the time from work to participate in the two-day practical assessment conducted by the Canadian Welding Association representative at the Bermuda College welding facility,“ he said.

"I am grateful to the training section staff of the Department of Workforce Development for their continued efforts and commitment to forge partnerships with key industry stakeholders to facilitate industry-driven certification programmes that lead to securing employment opportunities for Bermudian trades persons.“

A ministry spokesman said: “Under the National Occupation Certification Act 2004, welding is a practical assessment that requires a minimum standard set by the Canadian Standards Association through the Canadian Welding Bureau.

“This standard requirement of national safety training for all construction-related jobs is guided by the National Training Board's Occupational Advisory Committee, comprised of industry experts.”