NATIONAL TRAINING BOARD OF BERMUDA
HONORS HOBART INSTITUTE

The first National Training Board (NTB) Merit Awards Presentation and Dinner, hosted by the Ministry of Education and Development, was held on May 13, 2004, in Bermuda.  The Hobart Institute of Welding Technology (HIWT) was honored to be among those to receive The Chairman’s Award in recognition of outstanding service to skill training and technical education.  Receiving the award for Hobart Institute was Peter C. Hobart of the HIWT Board of Directors.  Accompanying Peter Hobart was Andre A. Odermatt, President of the Hobart Institute.  Many other awards were granted to individuals and businesses in various categories. 

“The National Training Board recognizes the contributions, support, service and achievement of business, industry, educational institutions, apprentices and students together because of shared values, common goals and purpose for the development and advancement of Bermudans,” stated The Honorable Terry Lister, JP, MP, Minister of Education and Development. 

In November 2002, the NTB was granted a license by HIWT to operate a welding training facility in Bermuda.  In the 75-year history of the Institute, this is the first time an overseas agency is licensed to provide HIWT qualification training.  Mr. Michael Stowe, Executive Officer of the National Training Board of Bermuda, was instrumental in bringing Hobart Institute to Bermuda.  Since that time, the NTB and HIWT partnership, along with the efforts of Mr. and Mrs. Van Swan of Swandell Welding and Steel Erection Ltd., has produced a modern and state-of-the-art National Welding Training Centre in Bermuda. 

“The Hobart Institute is privileged to have the opportunity to provide welding training to the people of Bermuda,” comments Andre A. Odermatt, President of HIWT.  “To receive The Chairman’s Award is indeed a great honor.”

“This evening is a celebration of successful training and those who have contributed and achieved.  Resultantly, Bermuda is a progressive and stable society with enhanced economic opportunity as the beneficiary,” says Lister.

“This Government is pleased to recognize the efforts and achievements of our Apprentices, Industry Partners, Education Providers and Corporate Partners,” says The Honorable W. Alexander Scott JP, MP, Premier of Bermuda.  “Your work is outstanding and we thank you for raising the bar on the educational and employment opportunities now afforded our recipients.”

The National Training Board (NTB), an agency of the Bermuda Government, was established by Parliament under the National Training Board Act in 1997.  The Board’s legislated mandate is “to take such measures as it considers necessary for ensuring an adequate supply of trained manpower in all branches of economic activity in Bermuda” and “to take such measures as it considers necessary for improving the quality and efficiency of training for apprentices and trainees”.  The NTB establishes technical skill competency, qualification and certification standards.  The Board is authorized to set tests and examinations.  In addition, it ensures that institution and industry-based training are delivered uniformly, efficiently, effectively and in compliance with recognized international standards.  The National Training Board is an incorporation of both local and overseas efforts.

The Hobart Institute of Welding Technology, located in Troy, Ohio, USA, is a not-for-profit educational institution dedicated to welding training and educational excellence.