Men and women looking to build a career as certified mechanical and electrical trades people are being encouraged to attend Belco?s Trade Information Sessions next week.

The trade information sessions are aimed at anyone interested in Belco?s Apprenticeship Programme, the Industrial Trades Development Programme.

?The sessions are our way of getting information out to the public and those interested could be someone leaving high school or somebody who has already been in the industrial sector for a number of years,? Belco Trades and Technical Training Coordinator Troy Thomas said.

?By attending the Information Sessions they will know what Belco is looking for in terms of prerequisites, attitudes, goals, certifications and they will have a good idea of the Apprentice Programme outline from start to finish.?

Mr. Thomas is also encouraging women to attend the session as an increasing number of women are working in the industry.

?Females have not shunned away from any particular trade within the apprenticeship, they look at all trades.?

This programme combines paid on the job training, work experience, technical training in a trade and overseas technical training.

The overseas technical training will require candidates to spend approximately two months a year overseas for four years and the other time will be spent as an apprentice in Bermuda.

?Hopefully these sessions will highlight those who are serious about a career with Belco and willing to dedicate themselves to Belco.?

The Belco Industrial Trades Development Programme is supported through the Alberta Provincial Government Apprentice Programme.

Completion of the programme will mean participants have graduated with the Alberta Journeyman Certificate, meeting high industry standards. Belco?s Trade Information Sessions will take place at the Belco Training Centre on Serpentine Road on December 2 between 3 and 5 p.m. and on Saturday December 3 from 10 a.m. to noon. To register for a session or for information contact Mr. Thomas at 295-5111, extension 1411 or tthomasbelco.bhl.bm.