2026 Trades Fair Symposium Rescheduled
The Trades Fair Symposium, which was originally scheduled for June 19, has been postponed, with a new event date to be announced in the coming weeks.
A statement from Emperial Group said, “The decision follows ongoing discussions with education, industry, workforce development and community stakeholders and reflects a commitment to delivering an event that fully realises its purpose and potential impact.
“The Trades Fair Symposium was conceived as more than a single-day event. It was designed as a platform to strengthen connections between education, technical training, skilled trades, industry, entrepreneurs, employers, students, families and the wider community, while contributing to the national conversation around workforce development, education and opportunity.
“As planning progressed, it became clear that additional time would allow for broader participation, stronger coordination and a more comprehensive experience for all involved.”
Dwight Jackson, educator and initiative champion, said, “The enthusiasm and support we have received have reinforced the importance of this initiative and the need for continued collaboration.
“Our objective has always been to create a meaningful experience that provides students, families and career seekers with exposure to opportunities, pathways and possibilities that can help shape their futures. We believe that taking additional time will allow us to build an even stronger foundation and deliver an event that reflects the level of excellence, engagement and impact that Bermuda deserves.”
Eugene Dean, of the Emperial Group, said, “The Trades Fair Symposium has already achieved something significant by bringing together stakeholders from education, industry, workforce development and the wider community around a shared vision for Bermuda’s future.
“Throughout this process, valuable relationships have been formed and impactful conversations have begun. As planning progressed, it became clear that additional time would allow our key stakeholders the opportunity to fully honour their commitments and help shape an event that reflects the importance of this initiative to the country, its people and future generations.
“From conception, this initiative has always been about creating stronger connections between education, skills development, industry and opportunity.
“For that reason, we are confident that rescheduling the Symposium is the responsible decision. It allows us to build on the momentum already created and deliver an outcome that reflects our theme “Build to Last”.
The spokesperson said, “This decision is a strategic step forward, and we are grateful for the understanding, encouragement and continued commitment shown by our stakeholders, partners and supporters.
“Emperial Group extends a special thanks to Bermuda College for their thorough leadership and enthusiasm. Furthermore, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Education, Bermuda College, BELCO, Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, SKYPORT, BAC Group, The Royal Gazette, IMPACT Mentoring Academy and the Bermuda Technical Institute Alumni Association, Marine and Ports, Trades Professionals, Employers, Community Organisations and the individuals who have contributed their time, expertise and encouragement throughout the planning process.”
As BTI alumnus Lew Trott recently observed, “Technical Education is a metaphor for life. It advances the wellbeing of humans while protecting the planet.”
The spokesperson said, “The Trades Fair Symposium also reflects a simple but powerful belief: young people cannot aspire to opportunities they have never seen.
“Emperial Group remains committed to ensuring the Trades Fair Symposium becomes a meaningful and sustainable platform for exposure, engagement, collaboration and opportunity for educational transformation, trades vocation, apprenticeships and entrepreneurial innovation.
“A new event date, along with details of upcoming stakeholder engagement opportunities, will be announced in the coming weeks. The conversation continues, and the initiative remains a priority.
“For Trades Fair Symposium and stakeholder inquiries, exhibition and sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels.”
Read More About
Category: All
