News Release: Hamilton, Bermuda – Earlier this week, the Minister of Labour, Community Affairs and Sports, Lovitta Foggo shared some words of support and encouragement to the newest masonry apprenticeship programme trainees.

The public will recall that the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) in partnership with the Bermuda College/PACE, and the Construction Association of Bermuda (CAoB) are facilitating the course to bolster the number of trained and certified Bermudian masons. 

During an orientation session on Tuesday evening (Sept. 25), Minister Foggo said: “Thank you for allowing me a few minutes to chat with you.

“First and foremost I want to thank you for answering the call to be a part of the masonry apprenticeship training programme.

“As you know, this is a partnership with the Department of Workforce Development, the Bermuda College and the Construction Association of Bermuda. So you are a special group and we are going to all that we can to ensure that you succeed. This truly is an exciting time and opportunity for you because masons at all levels are in high demand to meet the current and future construction needs in our workforce.”

Minister Foggo continued: “Lastly, I want to extend my appreciation to the DWD, the Construction Association and the Bermuda College for their willingness to train each of you in this very critical career vocation.

“We know that the construction industry is a vital contributor to our economy and a significant employer of our local tradesmen. And by facilitating this programme, you are not only demonstrating your commitment to Bermuda’s workforce, but you are demonstrating your dedication to providing learning and development opportunities to ensure that Bermudians succeed. Thank you all and good luck to our trainees.”

The masonry programme will include classroom and on-the-job training and various learning and teaching techniques to accommodate a variety of learning styles. The components will cover the knowledge, skills and Level 1, Level 2, & Level 3 competencies using the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Masonry Curriculum.

  • Feature Photos Supplied Include: Minister Lovitta Foggo, Acting Director of DWD, Dr Pat Chapman, Will Irvine, Executive Director of CoAB, DWD’s Noel Cann and a dozen masonry trainees