On the National Board Training Act, Opposition Senate Leader Milton Scott wondered, "how will this work in the apprentice setting within the Bermuda context.'' Many companies in Bermuda consist of one or a few employees.

"There is not much incentive. The only saving grace is a clause which allows the Minister to exempt (an individual or company),'' Sen. Walwyn Hughes (Ind) said.

Sen. Larry Scott said that the employer must show incentive and look for young Bermudians to train.

"It has to be sponsored by the employer (or) it won't work,'' he said.

"There is an onus on the employer to participate.'' The legislation follows the system that the Bermuda Electric Light Company Ltd. (Belco) has in place, a system through which the company seeks out Bermudians, he added.

On smaller companies, Sen. ET Bob Richards said overseeing an apprentice programme is another hat the small business owner should wear.

Senate president Sen. Albert Jackson said there will be smaller companies who say they cannot afford a new person on the payroll.

Sen. Lister said that he was concerned the National Training Board could suspend an apprentice. He felt it should be between the employer and the apprentice. He also expressed concern that there was no provision for removing board members.

"We have to realise that the National Training Board will be setting standards and monitoring the training of the apprentice,'' Sen. Swan said.

She added that if an organisation felt its board representative was not performing, the organisation could remove the individual.

The Senate moved to pass the bill with no objections. It now will go to the Governor for Royal Assent.