BERMUDA GOVERNMENT


Wendy was also passionate about seeing structure added to the programme and admits that she was very vocal at times because she believed that it could be a good programme with the right changes. She was instrumental in developing a tracking system to monitor academic performance and the funds being spent on behalf of each trainee. She says she did this because she believes that “it is important for both parties to know where they stand at all times, so that they are able to make informed decisions”. Wendy adds that while the programme has come a long way, there is still more to be done. She hopes that now she has completed the programme, one of the remaining trainees will pick up the torch and keep fighting for change.


Wendy completed her training programme in June of this year and is now the management accountant for the Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation. She assists the comptroller and they have eight departments within that ministry: Bermuda libraries, child and family services, community and cultural affairs, financial assistance, human affairs, the ministry headquarters, court services and national drug control.


It’s taken seven years, and a lot of support from loved ones, but Wendy is finally where she wants to be.


Annette Tucker is a training manager at the Government’s Department of Human Resources.


Waste not, want not A career in waste management was not


Colleen Clacken’s idea of a dream job when she graduated from the Bermuda College in 1983, with a TCD Certificate in automotive mechanics. But by being flexible, adaptable and hard-working, she has risen a long way, Terlena Murphy discovers.


previously worked as an intern at the police compound.


C Colleen Clacken


Colleen believes that, back then, she would have stayed at the government quarry, but she was eventually hired as a miscellaneous clerk and later promoted to senior clerk at the Marsh Folly Depot. Colleen worked at the depot for 20 years, during which she rose to become president of the Works


and Engineering Division of the Bermuda Industrial Union, a position that she credits with developing many of her hidden skills.


In 2001, Colleen was approached by solid waste manager Allen Hunt and waste management officer Clarkston Trott about an opportunity within the Department of Works and Engineering. This opportunity fell through at the time, but resurfaced in 2004, when she was approached again. This time, Colleen told Trott to put his proposal in writing and she would send him a letter accepting it. Colleen was then promoted to depot foreman.


WWW.FASTTRACKBERMUDA.COM


olleen started her career at the government quarry as a mechanic in May 1983, having


In March 2004, Colleen transferred to the hazardous waste section of Works and Engineering. When Mr. Edelenbos (the current solid waste manager) came to her department, Colleen requested more work, as she was used to starting her work day at 7.30 am. She had trained herself over the years to start her work as soon as she came in; by mid-morning or early afternoon, she would be finished. Colleen didn’t think that looked good so she requested more responsibility.


As Colleen became developed in her position, Trott introduced her to the hazardous waste compound in Dockyard, where she learned about hazardous materials and how to dispose of them. She took local and overseas courses, including Hazmat, refrigerant-handling and asbestos abatement courses. Eventually, Colleen took the ILM introductory management and management courses, which in turn led her to the post she holds currently.


Through the guidance of her managers, Colleen became a trainee collections and processing officer in December 2008. A detailed development plan was created for Colleen, which she will follow over a period of three years. This position requires Colleen to supervise a staff of 56, evaluate and monitor waste generation and collection efficiency, write reports, handle and resolve industrial disputes, and manage fleet and equipment maintenance—all of these duties Colleen has handled efficiently and capably.


This year, Colleen will be attending the SWANA (Solid Waste Association of North America) Wastecon 2010 conference in Boston. She is also preparing to acquire her SWANA certification, which will help bring her closer to her goal of obtaining the post she is training for.


When asked if she enjoys her work, Colleen states: “I love my job and staff with all their different personalities. Not many people can say this, but I can. Now that I’m in my 28th year of service (with the Government of Bermuda), I have learned over the years that instead of trying to change people, I have to change me. What I mean by this is: we cannot change anyone, we can only change ourselves and how we chose to deal with people.”


Colleen Clacken is a great example of how hard work and dedication to self and others can translate into a great career within the Government of Bermuda.


Terlena Murphy is a training manager at the Government’s Department of Human Resources.


For further information, contact the Department of Human Resources, third floor, Ingham and Wilkinson Building, 129 Front Street, Hamilton HM 12. Telephone: 279-2820 or email: hr@gov.bm


FAST TRACK / Careers module / 2010-2011 25


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