After 2½ years of hard work, by Aecon, Canadian Commercial Corporation, the Bermuda Government and by the team that now forms the new airport company, Skyport, we are looking forward to building Bermuda’s new airport terminal. This project is an opportunity not only to replace an outdated yet crucial piece of infrastructure, but also for many Bermudians and Bermudian businesses.

Contracts are now beginning to be awarded, jobs have already been created and many additional jobs are being advertised as the project moves forward. Last month, we were pleased to launch the new special-purpose company responsible for LF Wade International Airport’s operations, maintenance and commercial functions: Bermuda Skyport Corporation Ltd. Skyport is a Bermudian company, comprising primarily of former Department of Airport Operations staff, who will be bringing the Bermuda air travel experience into a new era. As part of this mission, Skyport is looking to significantly expand its employee numbers.

At Aecon, we have a commitment to not only build well but to build conscientiously. We are committed to putting safety and environmental and social sustainability at the heart of all we do — to make a positive impact on Bermuda. We are invested not just in the island’s infrastructure, but also in Bermuda’s people and its future.

There will be a range of opportunities for Bermudians who want to help to better Bermuda’s air travel experience, with jobs available in fields such as construction — from materials and equipment supply — to architecture and engineering, administration, technical services support, logistics, stevedoring and shipping.

As part of our commitment, to ensure that qualified and available Bermudians are able to work on the airport project, we have worked closely with the Government of Bermuda’s Department of Workforce Development and the Construction Association of Bermuda.

The DWD has been identifying the labour capacity available in Bermuda and is launching a talent pool drive to assist subcontractors for the project in finding and hiring qualified Bermudians in their fields.

Those who are interested in working for an airport subcontractor should collect an application form, available from the DWD at the old Magistrates’ Building, 23 Parliament Street, Hamilton, download one from www.dwd.bm or call 297-7714 for information. Competed applications need to be submitted to the DWD with résumés and certified, colour copies of qualifications or certifications. The DWD will help any Bermudians who do not have a résumé in creating one.

The DWD is also putting together training programmes that will benefit Bermudian employees and employers alike. To ensure that the new airport meets industry standards, Aecon and the DWD will be using National Centre for Construction Education and Research for construction standards.

As the general contractor for the Airport Redevelopment Project, Aecon Construction is looking for businesses wanting to work on the project as subcontractors. Interested businesses must prequalify to be considered for contracts. This can be done by registering at www.subconprequal.aecon.com. The CAOB has offered to assist its members in completing their prequalification documents, if they have any difficulty. They can be contacted by calling 292-0633.

Aecon will also be hiring directly for particular positions, and these can be found by checking The Royal Gazette, the DWD or the Bermuda Job Board (www.bermudajobboard.bm). To find out more, contact aeconbermudacareers@aecon.com.

While the construction of the new airport gets under way, Skyport is also looking to hire new team members. Those interested in working for Skyport should submit a résumé and cover letter to careers@skyport.bm for airport-related jobs.

We are just weeks away from breaking ground at Stone Crusher Corner and can’t wait to get started. We look forward to building a lasting relationship between Aecon and Bermuda.

• Steve Nackan is the president of Aecon Concessions