“The Skills Development Programme (SDP) represents an excellent opportunity for young people to gain valuable lifelong skills while reducing the unemployment rate among young people,” said Minister of Public Works, Lt. Col. the Hon. David A. Burch, OBE (Mil), ED, JP, MP, about his Ministry’s latest SDP intake.

The SDP is inviting applications for its ninth cohort. The programme, which runs nine months in length, provides a structured arrangement in which young people between the ages of 16 and 35 are trained in the horticulture field and are given assistance in finding employment upon completion.

Successful completion of the course can lead to full-time employment opportunities. After the SDP’s last period, five people achieved full-time jobs with the Department of Parks.

Interested persons can obtain an application form by emailing sdpbermuda@gmail.com or get a form from the reception desks at the Bermuda Industrial Union or the Department of Parks. The deadline to apply is 27 January 2023. Limited spots are open.

The curriculum encourages and supports participants to voluntarily give back to the community in a charitable manner by offering their services using the new skills they have acquired.

Minister Burch added: “We hope to instil sound values that will help participants to develop within the programme, making them more employable for the workforce.”

In addition to technical skills, the programme also focuses on teaching the participants life skills such as first aid/health and safety, interview skills, budgeting, and what to expect in the workplace.