Horticultural Certificate Programme Launched

This morning [Sept.1] Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kim Wilson provided details on the Horticultural Certificate programme which is being spearheaded by the National Training Board [NTB] in conjunction with the Bermuda College.

The ‘Certificate in Basic Horticulture’ programme will be launched on September 8, 2011. Participants will undergo full training in areas including soil science/nutrients, operation/maintenance of equipment, conservation, biodiversity, plant propagation, pruning, weeds, pests, and more.

Minister Wilson said, “The Landscape Gardener represents a significant category for work permit issuance requested by employers. With the introduction of this programme, we are not only addressing the need for skilled Bermudian workers in this field – we are also decreasing the need for work permits and sustaining employability to enable businesses to continue with their operations.”

Pictured below: Minister Kim Wilson [centre] with from L to R: John Lynch-Wade, Michael Smith, Domonique Lambert, Pandora Glasford NTB Executive Director and Odell Furbert.

To be eligible participants must be Bermudian or spouse of a Bermudian. Participants will attend class at the Bermuda College every Thursday for three semesters concluding June 14, 2012.

The fee for the programme is $1,195 per semester, and graduates will receive a Bermuda College Workforce Development Certificate in Basic Horticulture endorsed by the NTB.

This programme is an approved scheme under the Payroll Tax Relief Training Scheme, which waives payroll taxes applicable for trainees in approved training programmes for up to 24 months.

“Employers have agreed to invest in their people by committing to half tuition costs whilst the NTB in keeping with their mandate will provide the balance,” noted the Minister.

The Minister’s full statement follows below:

Good morning and thank you for joining me.

These days you don’t really have to look too far to appreciate the challenges that we are facing in our labour force.

It’s in practically every news headline, it’s the chat around the office water cooler and it’s the topic of discussion at the dinner table.

So I’m sure you’ll agree with me when I say that with all of the somber news, it would be easy to believe that there aren’t any good things happening in our labour force.

Despite the economic hardships, there have been some pockets of success. We have witnessed a number of entrepreneurs and small businesses popping up across the Island and this is very encouraging.

Also within our Ministry, we have been hard at work implementing specific programmes and initiatives aimed at getting people back to work – and we are seeing success in this area as well.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are also seeing some success with the National Training Board and their efforts to train individuals with the aim of giving the tools they need to enter the workforce.

As a reminder, the NTB is committed to carrying out their function as set out in the National Training Board Act 1997 by taking such measures as it considers necessary for ensuring an adequate supply of trained manpower in occupations in all branches of economic activity in Bermuda.

You may remember that in 2009, the NTB began working towards the implementation of National Certification for three designated trades – Electricians, Automotive Service Technicians and Welders. National Certification is achieved by working directly with the industry to create a standard of excellence.

The concept allows us to shape the characteristics of our present and future workforce particularly for those participating in technical and vocational occupations. 2

We are pleased that Certification has been carried out for Electricians and Welders. Automotive Service Technicians should expect to participate in the process towards obtaining their certification by the middle of September 2011.

Persons who are deemed ‘Nationally Certified’ have been listed on the NTB website www.ntb.bm. National Certification is directly aligned with the Government’s Workforce Development initiative. This is an important approach towards empowering our citizens by ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge and attitude to perform specific job tasks.

To that end, the NTB is currently working with industry to introduce Horticulture as the newest designated trade for certification. This has been a two year quest and today we are pleased to announce that as a result of the collaborative efforts of the NTB, PACE, a division of the Bermuda College and the Horticulture Occupation Advisory Committee, a Certificate in Basic Horticulture programme will be launched on September 8, 2011.

Participants will experience a full curriculum that includes 11 modules that will include 15 core subjects which include, but are not limited to such areas as:

• Soil Science and Nutrients
• Operation and Maintenance of Equipment
• Natural History, Conservation and Biodiversity
• Plant Propagation and working with teams
• Ground Preparation, Installation and Maintenance
• Pruning; and
• Turf Management, weeds, pest and diseases.

To be eligible for admission to this programme, participants must be Bermudian or spouse of a Bermudian, working in the field of landscaping and horticulture, and/or have an interest in working in the field(no prior experience is necessary) and have an assigned mentor commitment throughout the programme.

Today I am pleased to acknowledge some of the he first 12 participants who will be taking part in the course.

Participants will attend class at the Bermuda College every Thursday for three semesters, again beginning on September 8, 2011 and concluding June 14, 2012. The fee for the programme is $1,195 per semester.

Employers have agreed to invest in their people by committing to half tuition costs whilst the NTB in keeping with their mandate will provide the balance. Graduates will receive a Bermuda College Workforce Development Certificate in Basic Horticulture endorsed by the NTB.

An important note to point out is that this programme is an approved scheme under the Payroll Tax Relief Training Scheme.

You will recall that Payroll Tax Relief Training Scheme is intended to encourage companies to hire and train Bermudians in all professions.3

The initiative waives payroll taxes applicable for trainees, for approved training programmes for up to 24 months.

Finally ladies and gentlemen, the Landscape Gardener represents a significant category for work permit issuance requested by employers.

With the introduction of this programme, we are not only addressing the need for skilled Bermudian workers in this field – we are also decreasing the need for work permits and sustaining employability to enable businesses to continue with their operations. This Ministry will continue to provide training and development opportunities for Bermudians.

We are encouraged by industry ‘buy-in’ in this regard – their commitment to create a level playing field offers broader opportunities and asserts competitive advantages for those serious about improving their talent base.

Thank you

#Education #EmploymentInBermuda #PlantsAndFlowers #TreePlanting

Category: All