The Job Corps programme is currently being adapted to meet Bermuda’s needs and will be launched in the second quarter of next year.This was the promise of Community Development Minister Michael Weeks as he highlighted the progress of the long-awaited education and training scheme for those aged 16 and over.Mr Weeks said they were drawing up a shortlist of names for the programme, finalising a venue and had come up with five core groups of people to “onionise it”.These groups of Bermudians will produce the programme’s framework, looking at outreach, enrolment, academics, career training and job placement.The Government-private sector partnership aims to give Bermuda’s young people free-of-charge life and work skills to prepare them for “stable, long-term careers”.The programme was highlighted in the 2009 Mincy Report, which examined the lives of the Island’s at-risk young black men.It was originally administered by the US Department of Labor to offer career planning, on-the-job training and work placements, as well as basic academics in reading and maths.Mr Weeks said the work was continuing to make Job Corps a reality.He said: “By utilising a tried and tested combination of competencies in academic, vocational, information technology, employability and independent living skills, it is intended that at the end of each participant’s tenure in the programme, he or she will have acquired those life and work skills needed to successfully enter the employment market.The Minister’s comments come just days after job creation was highlighted as Premier Paula Cox’s top priority for the new parliamentary year.The Throne Speech, read out by Sir Richard Gozney, stated: “The Bermuda adaptation of the Job Corps programme recommended in the Mincy Report will provide eligible Bermudians, aged 16 and over, with free education and training designed to equip them to compete for stable, long-term, well-paid careers.“By integrating the teaching of academic knowledge, vocational and employability skills and social competencies, the Job Corps scheme will provide students with classroom theory and practical learning experiences that will contribute to success in the workforce and in life.”Mr Weeks also highlighted the already underway Tri 30 work experience programme at yesterday’s press conference about his Ministry’s Throne Speech initiatives.The three-month programme provides training for a total of 30 unemployed young people aged 18 to 25 years old, to help them find entry-level jobs.The programme ends in December and Mr Weeks said four participants had already been offered full-time employment.Meanwhile, Mr Weeks said he was doing everything he could to support Bermudian artists through the Cultural Legacy Fund. He said the financial support programme for those who write books, produce films and create art or music will “see Bermuda’s cultural heritage maintained for years to come”.Mr Weeks said he would create an Artists’ Registry and look at other innovative ways to highlight Bermudian talent “for all of the world’s stage to see” to ensure it “continues to tell a story for generations to come”.Mr Weeks also touched on the proposed amendments to the Charities Act 1978, saying he would be hosting his second town hall meeting on November 29. The Minister has wide-ranging plans to make Bermuda’s 400 charities more accountable and effective.This includes a requirement for charities to keep financial records for a minimum of five years and charity commissioners having the power to monitor and investigate charities and their funds. Mr Weeks also said he was to rejuvenate Bermuda’s Parish Councils with projects such as community gardens and community action groups.He urged everyone to “stay tuned because there are exciting things happening in Bermuda”.He said: “Bermuda, I know that we are facing challenging times, but if we continue to stick together as a community, we will make it through.”Mr Weeks said his Ministry continued to work tirelessly to support people, enhance social and cultural expression, assist in providing jobs and training, and encourage everyone to engage in community participation.