A four-pronged action plan aimed at shattering the ?glass ceiling? and helping more Bermudians secure places in the Island?s booming economy has been unveiled.

Improved assessment from middle school onwards, a formalised ?classroom-to-career? system to help students make the jump from school to the workplace and a one-stop career centre are just some of the major ideas thrown forward in an ambitious attempt to tap into the potential of all Bermudians.

There should also be an entry-level, on-the-job training programme giving subsidies to businesses who provide proper training to new Bermudian workers.

And Government needs to make such changes to ?level the playing field? if the Island is to maintain its position as a leading force in the global financial field, a new workforce development strategy warns.

It also says there is increasing concern about the ?relative scarcity? of Bermudians among the top ranks and entry level positions respectively in the two ?economic pillars? of international business and tourism.

The report, contained in the mammoth Sustainable Development Strategy, states: ?The need for change is undeniable if Bermuda is to sustain its prosperity in an international economy, and find a way for all Bermudians to have the opportunity to be part of this growth.

?The Bermudian Government can level the playing field for their citizens by addressing the issues in this report and providing the guidance and resources to implement change.?

The report says that the $1.5 million plan ? if properly supported, overseen and financed ? would result in schools, job-seekers, workers and businesses ?doing better? in Bermuda.

The Ministry of Education, through the National Training Board, is the best body to coordinate the work, it claims.

The action plan goes on to look at four focus areas: public education; work preparation; training; and industry.

Ideas under these themes were thrashed out during ?candid dialogue? last summer between the consultants who penned the report, the Rhode Island-based Arnold Group, and leaders in the Bermudian community. These included Premier Alex Scott and NTB Board Chairman Herman Tucker, along with 22 leaders from the public, private and educational sectors of Bermuda.

Outlining recommendations for each category, on education the workforce development consulting firm ?s report calls for ?more and better? student academic assessments starting in middle school and carried out on an annual basis, standards for work skills training and an ?agreed upon? diploma, a formalised school-to-career system for students and a structured adult mentoring programme to replace current laudable ?ad-hoc? arrangements.

It also recommends better ways to encourage and expect parental involvement, with improved student and parental access to information about careers and further education.

For work preparation, the report recommends the setting up of one-stop career bases containing masses of work-related information.

These would include an Internet-ready computer resource area, a Bermudian ?job bank? and electronic job matching system, career counselling and testing, job preparation workshops and basic computer classes.

On training, study suggests that the National Training Board be revamped to include committees handling grant payments, tests and standards and ?education innovations?.

It says there should be entry-level, on-the-job training programme which offers subsidies to businesses who provide bona fide training to new Bermudian workers.

It also recommends competitiveness improvement grants averaging $25,000 to help companies keep a cutting edge in the regional and global economy.

Further grants could help staff update their skills, while the formation of a Bermuda Public Administration Institute would educate workers and promote improvements in the ?art and science? of public sector work.

And for industry, the action plan says there needs to be increased employer support for public education through mentoring and addressing the ?glass ceiling? for Bermudians by increasing support for career awareness activities in schools.

It raises the idea of food and housing help for Bermudians entering the restaurant and hotel trades and backs brainstorming sessions for pupils through contests promoting positive thinking.

The action plan states that $1.5 million should be set aside each year for the changes. This will include $300,000 for on the job training ? meaning $4,000 could be spent on 75 staff ? and $250,000 for competitiveness improvement grants.

After discussing the four ?cornerstones?, the report concludes: ?Change is always difficult but the opportunities created through change can be extraordinary.

?With the proper leadership and support, Bermuda can adapt to the ever-changing global economy, continue its growth, and provide opportunities for all Bermudians to share in this prosperity.?

@EDITRULE: