"I am proud to announce that thirty-four Bermudians have successfully obtained their Heavy Truck Driver's License following the completion of the Heavy Truck Driver's License Training Programme,” said the Minister of Economy and Labour, Jason Hayward. "This initiative directly addresses the urgent need for qualified and experienced heavy truck drivers in our local workforce while enhancing the employability skills of Bermudians in the trucking industry."

Organized through the Department of Workforce Development (DWD), the programme provided essential training to help participants upskill and expand their licensing credentials. These newly qualified drivers can now access better employment opportunities within the heavy trucking industry. In addition to training, the initiative also connected unemployed and underemployed Bermudians with potential employers, expanding their job prospects and supporting career transitions. Participants, including job seekers and those interested in entrepreneurial opportunities, received comprehensive career development services such as job placement assistance, mentorship, and interview training.

The Ministry of Economy and Labour is pleased to share the names of the thirty-four Bermudians who successfully passed their Heavy Truck Driver's Driving Examination at the Transport Control Department (TCD). They were awarded certificates of completion for HA, HB, HC, IN, and L truck licenses: 

Minister Hayward continued, "This program has not only addressed a key skills gap but has also had a transformative impact on participants' lives. Opening new career paths has provided Bermudians with better prospects for upward mobility within their current workplaces, as well as future opportunities in the wholesale, transportation, and construction industries. The program's objectives align seamlessly with the Economic Development Strategy Priority 5—Investment in People, Bermuda's Youth Employment Strategy, and the Bermuda National Workforce Development Plan, all aimed at cultivating a skilled local workforce.”

He added, "I would like to extend my gratitude to the heavy truck training providers—Mr Sheldon Fox, Mr Craig Burchall, Mr Graham Benjamin, and former TCD Registration Manager Mr Charles Clarke—for their collaboration and dedication to the programme's success. I also thank the Department of Workforce Development's training team, Training Manager Dr Patricia Chapman, Mr Jason Butterfield, and Mr Stephen Lewis, for their responsiveness and commitment to delivering this timely initiative that meets the needs of our local workforce."

Minister Hayward closed by encouraging all Bermudians to take advantage of other high-demand training and certification programmes: “These opportunities are crucial for ensuring that Bermuda has a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of high-quality jobs in our local economy. I strongly urge individuals to explore similar training initiatives that will help further enhance their skills and employability."

Pictured L-R: 

• Front Row – Heavy Truck Driver Programme (HTD) Participants: Patricia Pitcher, Aldric Clarke, Andrew Scaife, and David Stevens
• Second Row – HTD Participant Shelton Dowling and from the DWD, Jason Butterfield, Dr Patricia Chapman, Stephen Lewis, and HTD Participant Cecil Pitcher
• Back Row – Training providers Graham Benjamin, Sheldon Fox, and Craig Burchall