Two Bermudians trained under the Government’s Department of Workforce Development programme have been hired as fixers/welders for the airport project.

Scotian Steelworks Ltd, a local partner in the redevelopment, have taken on Kieran Evans and Tristan Smith who will work on the steel pile foundations.

Scotian Steelworks are one of the partners hired by airport developers the Aecon Group.

A government statement explained that the initiative was designed to train Bermudians and “maintain the momentum”.

The programme covers the cost of the airfare, accommodation, course fees and basic safety — CPR/first aid — for a total of nine participants.

“The curriculum for the seven-week accelerated programme is based on the NCCER (National Centre for Construction Education and Research) Level 2 standard,” added the statement. “The training took place at HB NEXT in Atlanta, Georgia this spring.”

Mr Evans and Mr Smith were employed upon completion of the training programme.

Logan Leslie, owner of Scotian Steelworks, said: “Kieran and Tristan are doing a great job so far. Having this training has definitely made them more employable.

“They gained important skills and knowledge and, while I might have hired them before this training, their new qualifications made them much better hires for our business. Their new expertise will be beneficial in the completion of our work on the new airport.”

Minister for Home Affairs Patricia Gordon — Pamplin said: “These two young Bermudians are able to gain experience on this significant project after receiving certification through a training course offered by the Department of Workforce Development. I am pleased that they are able to advance their careers working at the new airport construction site.

“It is good for them as young Bermudians, and good for our island as a whole as we continue to improve employment opportunities for our youth.”

The redevelopment of the airport is being implemented under a Government-to-Government framework agreement between the Governments of Canada and Bermuda.

Under the terms of the agreement, Bermuda Skyport Corporation Limited will oversee the overall development and implementation of the project, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), through a subcontract to Aecon, will deliver the construction component of the project.

More updates about the redevelopment project can be found on the Bermuda Government portal at www.gov.bm and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BermudaSkyport.