Plans For Construction Internship Program
SkillCraft Bermuda and Urban Construction Services have launched a 13-week internship to train young Bermudians for careers in the trades amid a growing demand for local skilled workers.
A spokesperson said, “SkillCraft Bermuda, a local charity dedicated to experiential career exploration for young Bermudians, has collaborated with Urban Construction Services to develop a 13-week Construction Internship Program. This initiative offers young people between 18 and 24 a pathway to discovering jobs in trades and the practical experience and essential soft skills needed for successful careers in construction.
“Bermuda faces an evolving challenge as a significant portion of its skilled trades workforce nears retirement, academic skills have been prioritised over vocational skills, and foreign labor is being used to fill crucial roles and plug the gap. While there is abundant work available and a clear need for Bermudian talent, many young people do not see clear pathways to enter these valuable fields and benefit from hands-on learning opportunities.
“During the Skillcraft Construction Internship Program interns will discover the trades industry while gaining practical, hands-on experience on active construction sites and simultaneously undertaking their NCCR [National Center for Construction Education and Research] introduction to basic construction skills. The training portion of the internship will be facilitated by Allanette Hayward and the team at Urban Construction Services.”
Ms. Hayward explained, “I am excited to collaborate with SkillCraft Bermuda in providing young people with a unique trades internship program,with industry recognized credentials, real work experience,supportive environment and paid placements in trades. We believe in consistency, bridging the gap and developing creative thinkers. This model has enabled us to successfully put 77 people through the Basic Safety Certificate and 13 through the NCCER Core Curriculum with 12 securing jobs as a result.”
The spokesperson said, “SkillCraft Bermuda, has developed a successful internship model for 1. managing work placements for youth and has seen 100% internship completion over 3 years, 2. supporting the development of key workplace behaviors: 2024 interns worked on 7 workplace behaviors and increased their ‘Taking Initiative’ skill by 20% over 6 weeks and 3. creating meaningful work experience opportunities: leading to 7 of 15 interns being offered further work with their host business.
“The program will select five motivated Bermudian youth, aged 18-24, to participate in the comprehensive 13-week program. This program represents a vital step towards nurturing a new generation of skilled Bermudian tradespeople. While SkillCraft has secured partial funding for this initiative, we require an additional $50,000 to fully launch this program.
“We invite individuals, businesses, and philanthropic organizations to invest in Bermuda’s future workforce. To discuss how you can support the Skillcraft Construction Internship Program and help us reach our $50,000 fundraising goal, please contact us at info@skillcraft.bm or 441-703-9100.”
Executive Director for SkillCraft, Ms. Margot Shane said, “The program will include 1-on-1 coaching and key skills development including self-discipline, initiative, punctuality, reliability and effective communication. This ensures interns are not only gaining technical skills but are also developing the professionalism and work ethic necessary for sustained success in any industry. Our goal is to provide a structured, supportive, paid experience that enables young people to explore trades careers in a hands-on way, while gaining internationally recognised certifications and skills that will serve them even if they choose not to remain in the trades.”
The spokesperson said, “Join us in building a stronger, more skilled Bermuda.”
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