On Friday evening, the Minister of Labour, Community Affairs and Sports the Hon. Lovitta Foggo JP MP attended the 2019 Kids in Construction Sponsors Reception at the Botanical Gardens.
The Kids in Construction event is organized by the Construction Association of Bermuda (CAOB) to provide Bermuda's local school children with the opportunity to showcase their technical and craft skills. Students' projects were showcased for one week. On Friday, all items were judged by an industry-wide panel and sold by silent auction, with the funds raised going into the annual CAOB scholarship, which is awarded to Bermudian applicants for tertiary education in construction and construction-related degrees.
"I am blown away by some of these pieces; the creativity and ingenuity of our young people is outstanding," Minister Foggo said on Friday. "The craftsmanship and care that have gone into these works – from the planter boxes to the picnic tables – is truly a credit to our students and their teachers. Events like this are such a wonderful way for the industry to recognize their efforts…especially as all funds raised are put directly into the CAOB Scholarship Fund which grants awards to Bermudian students seeking tertiary education in Construction and Construction-related subjects. I understand that last year’s event raised over $15,000 which was split between six worthy individuals. Thank you to those around the industry who provided the corporate and in-kind sponsorship to make this event a reality."
Project Categories were as follows:
- Primary School: Planter Boxes
- Secondary School: Coat Racks, Chopping Boards, & Picture Frames
- Senior School: Adirondack Chairs, Picnic Tables, Garden Benches
The winners will be announced later this week by the CAOB.
The Department of Workforce Development has a strong partnership with the CAOB and provides partial funding for CAOB scholarships for persons studying in the field of construction and/or the trades. The Department also funds training for apprentices and works directly with employers to help monitor the apprentices’ progress to ensure successful completion. Department staff facilitate presentations for the Senior Schools and Home Schools, highlighting the need for trades and construction workers, and educating about apprenticeship opportunities.