Minister Hayward On Bermuda Coders Initiative
Minister of Economy and Labour Jason Hayward held a press conference today [Nov 6] to announce the launch of the Bermuda Coders Initiative, a “groundbreaking digital skills education programme made possible through a partnership with the United Arab Emirates’ Government Experience Exchange Office.”
Minister Hayward said, “Developed by Udacity, a global leader in digital education, and Microsoft, a name synonymous with technological advancement, this initiative will provide every Bermudian and Bermuda-based learner with free access through any internet-enabled device, like a phone or tablet, to world-class digital technology courses and certifications. These will be delivered by some of the best educators in the field. This opportunity is launched today and will be available to all for an entire year.
“The courses we will have access to will equip participants with cutting-edge skills in coding, data science, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies that are already reshaping industries globally and transforming daily life in areas such as healthcare, finance, and communications. Emerging tech is, as we speak, changing how we live, work, play, and connect as a society. Our ability to harness it will define Bermuda’s future over the next decade and shape the island’s success for generations to come.
“This initiative transcends education—it’s about empowering every Bermudian with the skills and confidence to thrive in an increasingly digital world. The Bermuda Coders Initiative is designed to provide every Bermudian with the tools and knowledge to excel in an increasingly digital world, regardless of age, background, or profession. By embracing tech, we are positioning ourselves to seize the incredible opportunities that are already on their way here.
“Courses include Data Science Fundamentals, Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals, Android Kotlin Development Fundamentals, and Programming Fundamentals.
“While our Government is fully committed to integrating these courses across the public service, we call on employers everywhere to invest in upskilling their workforce. We call on educators to integrate these cutting-edge technologies into their curricula. And we call on individuals of all ages to seize this unique opportunity for personal and professional growth.
“Those who see the value in learning know the importance of harnessing the waves of technological progress already lining our horizon. This initiative isn’t just about individual advancement—it’s about preparing our entire island for a brighter, tech-driven future.
“As I mentioned before, we are privileged to collaborate with the UAE, one of the world’s most technologically advanced nations, as we strengthen our economic ties.
“Although unable to attend this press conference, His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange of the United Arab Emirates, wishes to share the following message with the people of Bermuda in support of the Bermuda Coders launch.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to forging global relationships that bring tangible benefits to Bermudians. To that end, I extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah, for his unwavering support and vision in helping bring this initiative to life.
“This programme, part of the UAE’s Million Coders Initiative, has already transformed lives across the globe. The Bermuda Coders Initiative will harness our island’s unique spirit of innovation, helping us to lead on the global stage.
“I urge every Bermudian to take full advantage of this free opportunity. Go online to bermudacoders.com today, read about the tracks offered, and enroll in your chosen online course.
“Your participation in the Bermuda Coders Initiative over the next year will help define our collective journey toward a digitally empowered future. Together, we will build a Bermuda where every Bermudian is fluent in the language of tomorrow.”
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Is this anything like the quality of the free Blockchain classes? (sarcasm as I took all those online courses – only one course was interesting)
“With the Bermuda Coders Initiative, you will have the opportunity to gain foundational level skills in: Programming, Data Analysis, Artificial Intelligence, and Android development.”
“Are these certifications accredited?
Udacity is a private online education provider that is not accredited by an official institution. However, each certificate will contain a unique code that can be later verified for every individual.”
Oh, it sure sounds familiar to the Blockchain courses. But keeping an open mind, I will check out the Artificial Intelligence track.
“This programme teaches you what Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are all about. You’ll learn how to use ChatGPT and think about the right and wrong ways to use AI.
By the end of the track, you’ll also know how to use AI tools responsibly.”
It should be interesting, as I tested a ChatGPT a few months ago and found some of the answers pretty good, but others lacked merit/totally inaccurate. Remember, the ChatGPT database was initially set up by $15 per hour workers who received no health benefits.
“Minister of Economy and Labour Jason Hayward held a press conference today to announce the launch of the Bermuda Coders Initiative, a groundbreaking digital skills education programme …This opportunity is launched today and will be available to all for an entire year.”
Should I go to Victoria Hall, now renamed Sankofa House, to sign up?
Should I go to Victoria Hall, now renamed Sankofa House, to sign up? (great sarcasm!)
First consider the bermudacoders webpage:
“Are these certifications accredited?
Udacity is a private online education provider that is not accredited by an official institution. However, each certificate will contain a unique code that can be later verified for every individual.”
Second, “Go online to bermudacoders.com today, read about the tracks offered, and enroll in your chosen online course.”
Third, like the Blockchain certificates, these have little to no value on your resume. But if you have the time, it’s more a mental exercise. YouTube is also a wealth of information.
This is a joke right SMH. When has the UAE ever been known for technology? it’s apps you can download right now that teaches coding, one called Mimo. The only smart thing he said was for people to start learning coding. Ask Jason what he used to get in math class or computers. Hilarious that he’s making these decisions
Udacity is part of the global consulting company Accenture, acquired in 2024. Look up Udacity on Wiki for additional company details.
Udacity is a business, a “for-profit educational organization”. That is what our Government is promoting.
But this came out of a meeting with the United Arab Emirates’ Government Experience Exchange Office. Freebies to a handful of people who enroll in unaccredited courses. It surely justifies more taxpayer-funded first-class airfare trips by our Government officials.
I wonder why our government knew nothing about Udacity offerings before?