Giving national certification to tradesmen will help create a level playing field, according to education minister Diallo Rabain.

Mr Rabain gave an update on the National Certification programme and training initiatives in the House of Assembly today.

Under the programme, those operating as a welder, electrician, automotive service technician and landscape gardener are required to be nationally certified.

Mr Rabain told MPs: “National Certification is directly aligned with workforce development initiatives, and is meant to create a level playing field and build a competitive advantage for all Bermudian trade professionals.

“This process is instrumental to providing enhanced work opportunities for Bermudians and was designed to ensure an outcome of potential growth, increased confidence, and improved quality and efficiency of our workforce.”

In September 2017, the Department of Workforce Development was given a mandate to have Certification in place before the end of 2017.

As of Monday this week, 793 people were registered, including 38 welders, 193 electricians, 102 automotive service technicians and 460 landscape gardeners. Of the total registrations there were 350 work permit holders and 443 Bermudians.

The minister previously announced that $265 application fee would be waived until December 31, 2017.

• To read Mr Rabain’s statement in full, click on the PDF under “Related Media”