Good day, everyone,
I am pleased to be here today to recognize the achievements and certifications of Mr. Malcolm O'Mara and Mr. Kamesh Wilkinson.
In June of 2022, Malcolm and Kamesh began the first part of their two-year Apprenticeship Butcher Training Programme. They were part of a cohort of six who successfully completed the Meat Fabrication course, offered as part of the Culinary Arts programmes in partnership with the Bermuda College Division of Business, Hospitality, and Technical Education. The primary objective of this initiative was to provide training, development, and, ultimately, employment opportunities to Bermudians in an industry where the workforce has been traditionally over-represented by permit holders.
By October 2022, apprentices Malcolm O'Mara and Kamesh Wilkinson had demonstrated advanced butchery skills and knowledge suitable for retail butchers, in-store supermarket butchers, or processing butchers at Lindo's Family Foods.
In partnership with M.E.A.T. Ipswich, UK, the Food and Drink Qualification, which goes by the acronym FDQ, provided a comprehensive range of practical skills and knowledge for the meat and poultry industry. The training covered practical butchery, knife sharpening, storage of goods, orders, food safety, and health and safety. The FDQ's butchery apprenticeship programme is recognized for its high standard, and it offers an end-point assessment service, ensuring that the apprentices receive an internationally recognized qualification.
Throughout the two-year programme, Malcolm and Kamesh continued their learning of butchery techniques at an international standard. Their training also included participation in the FDQ's Proficiency in Meat and Poultry Industry Skills qualifications, which cover key areas such as meat and poultry processing, butchery skills, packaging and distribution, sales and service, and quality assurance.
The culmination of this extensive training, both locally and overseas, led to Malcolm and Kamesh receiving the End Point Assessment Organization and Qualification Certification. This achievement directly results from the successful collaboration between local and international partners and subject matter experts.
Ongoing discussions with key stakeholders and industry professionals will continue to support and expand training, career development, and employment opportunities, thereby building a robust talent pool of young Bermudians for this high-demand occupation.
This initiative exemplifies the Government's commitment to the goals and objectives outlined in Bermuda's Youth Employment Strategy and Economic Development Strategy. It highlights the investment in people, ensuring a sustainable and skilled local workforce.
Congratulations to Malcolm O'Mara and Kamesh Wilkinson on their remarkable achievements in receiving their FDQ Level 2 Certificate for Proficiency in Meat & Poultry Industry Skills (600/0518/X). I am happy to share they are both employed full-time at Lindo's Family Foods.
A special thank you to all the local training providers and industry stakeholders, including Dean La'Tanya Roberts, Chef Campbell, and Chef Ming at Bermuda College, as well as Mr Noel Cann, the former Training & Assessment Officer and original lead on this initiative at the Department of Workforce Development.
A heartfelt thanks also goes to the staff and team at the butcher departments at Lindo's Family Foods in Warwick and Lindo's Market in Devonshire for their collective efforts in making this Butcher Training initiative a success.
Thank you.