The Department of Workforce Development hosted Future Forward: A Conversation with the Minister at the Bermuda College on Thursday.
The interactive forum brought together College Summer Employment Programme students and the Minister of Economy and Labour, the Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP, for an open and engaging conversation about Bermuda’s future workforce and economy.
Former Bermuda College Student Government President and youth advocate Callahj Simons facilitated the opening questions before inviting students to participate in the wider discussion.
Students shared their perspectives and asked questions on topics including employment opportunities, scholarships and education, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, affordable housing, the cost of living and the skills required for future careers.
Minister Hayward also invited students to discuss their aspirations, the barriers they face when preparing for employment and the opportunities that would encourage them to remain and build their careers in Bermuda.
Minister Hayward said: “Our young people must have a meaningful voice in the decisions that will shape their future. Their ideas, experiences and ambitions provide valuable insight as we continue developing programmes and policies that prepare Bermudians for the workforce of tomorrow.”
The event was guided by the message, “Your voice matters. Your ideas matter. Your future matters,” and reinforced the Government’s commitment to listening to and engaging Bermuda’s emerging workforce.
The Department of Workforce Development will review the key themes and feedback gathered during the forum to help inform future youth employment, training and career development initiatives.
