Good morning, everyone,
It is a pleasure to join you today at the National Youth Conference's Civic Skills Bootcamp.
I would like to begin by thanking the Office of Youth Affairs for partnering with the Department of Workforce Development to create opportunities such as this. Together, we are investing in Bermuda's greatest asset - our young people.
To each of our students, welcome.
You are here today because we believe in your potential. We believe that your ideas, your voices, and your leadership can help shape the future of Bermuda.
Leadership is not defined by your age, your title, or your position. Leadership begins with a willingness to learn, to serve others, and to step forward when opportunities arise.
Today's workshops will challenge you to think differently. You will learn how to communicate with confidence, advocate for issues that matter to you, engage with your elected representatives, work with the media, and develop ideas that can create positive change within your communities.
These are not just skills for today - they are skills for life.
Whether you aspire to become a teacher, entrepreneur, engineer, healthcare professional, tradesperson, artist, or public servant, your ability to communicate, collaborate, solve problems, and lead will help define your success.
As Minister responsible for Workforce Development, I often speak about preparing Bermuda's workforce for the future. That future is not twenty years away - it is sitting in this room.
Every one of you has the ability to make a meaningful contribution to our island. The choices you make today, the skills you develop, and the relationships you build will help shape both your future and Bermuda's future.
Before I close, I also want to take a moment to recognize another group of young people who are demonstrating what participation looks like in action.
I want to acknowledge those of you participating in the Department of Workforce Development's Youth Employment Programme this summer. Thank you for stepping forward and investing in your future.
With just two weeks remaining in the programme, I encourage you to make the very most of your placement. While it may be an entry-level role and perhaps not exactly where you see yourself long-term, every opportunity has value. Use these final weeks to build your professional network, ask questions, seek feedback, and demonstrate your work ethic.
The skills you are developing - communication, teamwork, professionalism, problem-solving, adaptability, and reliability - are transferable to every career path you may pursue. The connections you make today and the reputation you build can open doors tomorrow. Approach each day with curiosity, initiative, and gratitude, and leave your employer knowing they would welcome you back.
Remember, every successful career begins somewhere. This experience is one of the building blocks that will help prepare you for the opportunities ahead.
I encourage you to ask questions, share your ideas, challenge yourselves, and make the most of every opportunity presented to you today.
On behalf of the Ministry of Economy and Labour and the Department of Workforce Development, I thank you for your participation, and I wish you a rewarding and inspiring day.
Thank you, and enjoy the Civic Skills Bootcamp.
