The Government has put forward amendments to the National Training Board Act to help boost oversight.

The National Training Board Amendment Act 2023, tabled by Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, would make the board more effective while renaming it the National Certification and Apprenticeship Board.

“Bermudians must be given a fair shot at the opportunities that exist today,” he said.

“Preparing Bermudians with skills to enter the job market is a key step in getting our people employed.

“Given the need for people to become qualified to work in trades and other industries, it has become evident that the NTB’s current functions do not allow it to provide the necessary attention to developing skilled tradespersons, the administration of national certifications or to promote the apprenticeship programmes.”

The NTB was created in 1997 and has been tasked with overseeing trade apprenticeship training schemes.

Mr Hayward said the quango had “contributed greatly” to workforce development in Bermuda

However, he told the House of Assembly that in recent years it had become evident that the legislation governing the board did not allow it to function as effectively as required.

“Regrettably, previous efforts made to enhance collaboration between workforce development entities and the business community have not been successful, and the NTB continued to operate without the desired clarity,” he said.

He told the House that the legislation would clarify the board’s functions to help deliver programmes to build the workforce, while stating that it was imperative for the Government to work closely with stakeholders.

Mr Hayward said the NCAB would be responsible for creating a national register of tradesmen, draft a prior learning assessment and recognition of prior learning policy and streamline the national certification process.

He added: “I look forward to working closely with my esteemed colleagues and stakeholders as they assume their roles on the new board and committees to ensure Bermuda’s workforce development strategy remains responsive, dynamic and aligned with the needs of our community.”