Minister Bell suggests NTA expand to offer adult re-tooling
By Stirling Strachan (BIS)
#TheBahamas, February 11, 2022 – “These sixty-one graduates, 45 of whom are from New Providence, eight from Exuma, seven from Grand Bahama and one from the Island of Abaco, were successful in completing four weeks of the Mandatory Workforce Preparatory Program (soft skills) which provides trainees with the attributes required by employers in the workplace. These attributes are related to positive attitudes, motivated behavior, effective communication skills and excellent customer service delivery,” said Minister of Labour and Immigration the Hon. Keith Bell.
Minister Bell’s comments came during a graduation ceremony held Thursday, February 3, by the National Training Agency (NTA), which falls under his portfolio.
Also in attendance at the ceremony were Mrs. Ann Marie Davis of the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister, who offered encouragement to the graduates; and Terry Murray, Executive Director of the National Training Agency.
Minister Bell remarked, “We are determined to equip our young adults to be productive in the workforce; whether as employees, entrepreneurs, artisans or any other area that they many wish to pursue in accordance with their abilities.”
For example, upon completion of the four-week ‘soft skills’ program the trainees embark on a 10-week practical skills program in their selected disciplines. Expert, competent and accredited training providers deliver skills training which include Technological, Hotel/Tourism Industry, Office Management, and Retail proficiencies.
The Minister said, “With such valued training in mind I see the National Training Agency as a critical component, not only to the government and the private sector or the labour force and our social development, but certainly to everything that is happening in our country.
“In its creation, the NTA was a novel, innovative idea, but now it must extend itself even further to keep pace with what we believe will happen regarding the growth and expansion of our nation’s economy, in the not too distant future.
To date the NTA has done work we can all be proud of,” Minister Bell said; as at present more than 6,800 persons have been trained with approximately 52 percent of them securing employment.
“These are excellent results however, there is much more work to be done and we will do it!
“We must prepare our people for the opportunities that will present themselves. And as such, the NTA must think about broadening its focus, especially in the area of adult training, retooling and retraining.
“To this end, we have begun to tackle the challenge of low productivity and lackluster performance in many of our workplaces, by teaming up with one of the most prestigious global organizations that provides high level training for all levels of leadership, management and team building.
“The vision of the National Training Agency is to create a workforce that is transformative, highly productive, service oriented, globally competitive, and responsive to the dynamics of the Bahamian economy.
“As you may be aware the agency was launched in July 2013 under the auspices of the Ministry of Labour and National Insurance, and eight years later in July of 2021, the agency launched its 17th cohort. As with previous cohorts, the program was inundated with prospective candidates who wished to enroll from not only New Providence but also, many of our Family Islands inclusive of Abaco, Grand Bahama and Exuma.
“Graduates you represent Cohort 17 and I as Minister of Labour and Immigration, I am extremely proud of your achievements. I believe that this is only the beginning of your growth and development. I encourage you to continue to strive to reach your full potential.”
In 2016 NTA was awarded the status of ILM (Institute of Leadership and Management) Centre — the top tier training organization of the City & Guilds group, which is headquartered in London.
Minister Bell said, “As Minister of Labour and Immigration I pledge my full support to the work of the NTA, and will do whatever I can to assist in its invaluable work.”
(BIS Photos/Ulric Woodside)