Training opportunities for Bermudians will increase after resources were boosted in the Government’s workforce development department, the House of Assembly heard today.

Lovitta Foggo, the Minister of Labour, Community Affairs and Sport, said staff transfers meant a greater number of sessions could be offered.

This month these included help on computer essentials, creating resumes and interview skills.

Ms Foggo explained: “I wish to highlight that the public will notice an increase in training offered monthly, focusing on employability skills.

“This is made possible as a result of the transfer of staff from the Community Education and Development Programme.”

She said the department was trying to make sure the public was “pleased with the level of service” it provided and the staff transfer meant an intake officer was due to start next month.

Ms Foggo added: “The role will enable the department to provide a higher level of customer support and concierge service at the moment clients visit the department.

“The role of the intake officer will include greeting persons entering the establishment, determining the nature of client visits, ensuring persons meet with the appropriate personnel, providing general information about the array of services and assisting clients with technology and registering on the Bermuda Job Board.”

MPs heard the main functions of the department were career development and training.

Ms Foggo said that at the end of last month a total of 428 people had been awarded National Certification in designated occupations — welders, electricians, automotive service technicians and landscape gardeners.

She added new partnerships with industries for short-term trainee programmes and efforts to help employers train their Bermudian staff was also under way.

Ms Foggo said: “The intent is to encourage career advancement and increase entry level opportunities for Bermudians.

“The department has successfully engaged six new companies to train Bermudians in the occupations of computer programming, commercial cleaning, waiter servers and water waste management.”

Other areas that have seen achievements for apprentices recently included hospitality, where five people were awarded the “universally recognised” Red Seal certification, and communications, where nine people completed the Bermuda Telephone Company apprenticeship programme.

•To read the minister’s statement in full, click on the PDF below “Related Media”.