I have been paying a lot of attention to the Progressive Labour Party government’s plans to shape the future of the Bermudian workforce and pave the way for the next generation to stride confidently into the world of work. What I have observed is both encouraging and inspiring — a true investment in our generation and the future of Bermuda.
At the forefront of this is the Youth Employment Strategy, a visionary project of the Bermuda Government and driven through the facilitations of the Department of Workforce Development. The strategy is more than a programme; it’s a safety net that connects young Bermudians to genuine work, networking and training opportunities. This year alone, the programme has aided more than 500 young individuals in gaining jobs and considerable experience.
The strategy is intended for Bermudians between the ages of 18 and 26. Its purpose is very straightforward: to ensure that we have the skills, experience and confidence to succeed within the modern economy. This is a commitment of sustainable work, independence and equality within the job market for each young person who chooses to put themselves forward.
This programme brings together the Government, businesses and organisations to solve the issue of youth unemployment through the implementation of nine key strategies that range from the development of training and apprentice’s programmes to youth entrepreneur programmes and Steam education. The programme also includes strategies that target at-risk youth and encourage Bermudians abroad to return to the island and share their talents with the community.
This inclusive approach is paying off. As per the most updated Bermuda Labour Force Survey, youth unemployment has reduced significantly from a high of 33 per cent a few years back to merely 2.4 per cent in May 2024. This is not only a fact but progress.
Today, Bermuda faces a fascinating dilemma. There are more jobs than qualified Bermudians to fill them. This presents a remarkable opportunity for young Bermudians to begin a rewarding and lucrative career right in their own backyard.
The various sectors that the Government has identified to bridge the gap of high demand are:
• Chef de partie/cooks
• Directors and chief executives
• Hospitality workers
• Actuaries
• Finance managers
• Accountants
• Registered nurses
• Secondary school teachers
• Masons
• Plumbers
• Electricians
• Landscape gardeners
These are not simply career paths; these are the ways you can shape and build the future of Bermuda. Aligning yourself and your level of training within these emerging industries will allow you to play a crucial role within your community.
During a recent presentation at the House of Assembly, Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, spoke of the young people whose lives have been transformed because of the opportunities afforded to them through the Youth Employment Strategy. One young man, moving from the Independent Living Facility, is starting the Bridge to Work programme. Another secured an interview with the Bermuda Hospitals Board for the position of Addictions Counsellor Assistant. A young man of 23 has begun the path towards a career as a mason.
These are not merely success stories but a testament that when the right opportunity meets the right kind of support, the right kind of change can and does take place.
The Youth Employment Strategy is more than a policy; it’s a promise. The promise of investment in Bermuda’s youth and the power to help shape the future of the island. To every young Bermudian standing at the crossroads of what’s next, the opportunities are here. The future is ours to create. Together, we can ensure that Bermuda thrives for generations to come.
• Iesha Musson was a Progressive Labour Party candidate in Pembroke South West (Constituency 20) at the February 2025 General Election
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