Bermuda Apprenticeship Program fulfils requirements of ILO Recommendation 208 on Quality Apprenticeships
Ongoing collaboration planned to ensure apprenticeship experience and skills development are inclusive and responsive.
10 January 2024
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The overseas territory of Bermuda has achieved a key milestone to strengthen the skills development of its labour force through the compliance of its Apprenticeship Program with the foundational principles outlined in the ILO Quality Apprenticeships Recommendation, 2023 (No. 208), adopted at the 111th International Labour Conference.
Led by the Department of Workforce Development (DWD), the process applied the ILO approach to quality apprenticeship systems to assess Bermuda’s Apprenticeship Program. Technical support was facilitated by Ms. Ilca Webster, Skills and Lifelong Learning Specialist at the Decent Work Team of the ILO Caribbean Office. The results of the assessment showed that Bermuda’s Apprenticeship Program is solid and grounded on the principles of Recommendation 208, which include: meaningful social dialogue, inclusiveness, robust regulatory framework, clear roles and responsibilities, strong labour market relevance, and equitable funding arrangements.
"I am proud to share that the Department of Workforce Development's Apprenticeship Program surpassed the rigorous standards set by the International Labour Organization. Our commitment to continuous improvement is evident through fruitful collaborations with the ILO, particularly in certifying prior learning and exploring apprenticeships in the blue and green economy. The recent legislative milestones further solidify our dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion. Bermuda's Apprenticeship Program not only meets but exceeds ILO guidelines, embodying a forward-looking approach that aligns seamlessly with our national strategies for youth empowerment, workforce development, and economic growth," said the Honourable Jason Hayward, JP, MP, Minister of Economy and Labour.
Ms. Ilca Webster, Skills and Lifelong Learning Specialist at the Decent Work Team of the ILO Caribbean Office, commended Bermuda’s Apprenticeship Program as a well-built example for the Caribbean Region and highlighted the importance of further strengthening of apprenticeships at the national level. “The ILO is pleased to see the progress made by Bermuda and is a committed partner to support the continuous improvement of its Apprenticeship Program. The DWD and ILO have identified key areas for joint efforts going forward including establishing a process to recognize prior learning (PLAR), setting up apprenticeships in the blue and green economies, and implementing the ILO approach to skills anticipation,” she said.
These critical areas for ongoing collaboration will ensure that the apprenticeship experience and skills development are both inclusive and responsive to individual learners' needs. It also demonstrates a commitment to innovation and responsiveness that addresses evolving labour market issues and contributes to a more adaptable and effective workforce in Bermuda.
Led by the Department of Workforce Development (DWD), the process applied the ILO approach to quality apprenticeship systems to assess Bermuda’s Apprenticeship Program. Technical support was facilitated by Ms. Ilca Webster, Skills and Lifelong Learning Specialist at the Decent Work Team of the ILO Caribbean Office. The results of the assessment showed that Bermuda’s Apprenticeship Program is solid and grounded on the principles of Recommendation 208, which include: meaningful social dialogue, inclusiveness, robust regulatory framework, clear roles and responsibilities, strong labour market relevance, and equitable funding arrangements.
"I am proud to share that the Department of Workforce Development's Apprenticeship Program surpassed the rigorous standards set by the International Labour Organization. Our commitment to continuous improvement is evident through fruitful collaborations with the ILO, particularly in certifying prior learning and exploring apprenticeships in the blue and green economy. The recent legislative milestones further solidify our dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion. Bermuda's Apprenticeship Program not only meets but exceeds ILO guidelines, embodying a forward-looking approach that aligns seamlessly with our national strategies for youth empowerment, workforce development, and economic growth," said the Honourable Jason Hayward, JP, MP, Minister of Economy and Labour.
Ms. Ilca Webster, Skills and Lifelong Learning Specialist at the Decent Work Team of the ILO Caribbean Office, commended Bermuda’s Apprenticeship Program as a well-built example for the Caribbean Region and highlighted the importance of further strengthening of apprenticeships at the national level. “The ILO is pleased to see the progress made by Bermuda and is a committed partner to support the continuous improvement of its Apprenticeship Program. The DWD and ILO have identified key areas for joint efforts going forward including establishing a process to recognize prior learning (PLAR), setting up apprenticeships in the blue and green economies, and implementing the ILO approach to skills anticipation,” she said.
These critical areas for ongoing collaboration will ensure that the apprenticeship experience and skills development are both inclusive and responsive to individual learners' needs. It also demonstrates a commitment to innovation and responsiveness that addresses evolving labour market issues and contributes to a more adaptable and effective workforce in Bermuda.