Registration fees for national certification will be waived until the end of the year, according to Diallo Rabain.

Mr Rabain, the Minister of Education and Workforce Development, had announced that all people working in certain occupations would need to register with the Department of Workforce Development and pay a $265 fee.

Among the designated occupations are welders, automotive service technicians, electricians and landscape gardeners.

Mr Rabain said today: “I am pleased to announce that we are waiving that fee until December 31, 2017.

“This applies to both Bermudians and non-Bermudians currently working Bermuda only. Anyone previously registered in the March 2016 registration period and paid the $265 registration fee, will have their customer and safety training courses cost credited $265.”

Mr Rabain said that those working in the designated occupations must registered at the Department of Workforce Development by November 3.

The national certification programme is set to come into effect on December 4.

Mr Rabain said: “This means all registered individuals will be expected to complete the requirements to achieve national certification.

“Individuals should expect to participate in some form of training and/or assessment process that will allow evaluators to determine ones level of competency and skill.

“Local tradesman not having any formal training or documentation of courses taken, will be assessed by a panel made up of local industry professionals known as the Industry Assessment Panel.”

Bermudians will have up to 12 months from December 4 to fulfil the certification process and current non-Bermudians on work permits will have up to three months to do the same.

Anyone employed in a designated job is urged to visit the Department of Workforce Development website or offices for more information.