The Department of Workforce Development and the Department of Education Career Pathways have partnered with Bermuda International Long Term Insurers and Reinsurers (BILTIR) to create a summer internship programme for high school students from The Berkeley Institute and Cedarbridge Academy.

Nine BILTIR member companies are participating in the summer program, providing internships for Bermudian high school students who have a keen interest in International Business.  The program will extend for six weeks with a member organization and select students having the opportunity to rotate on a two to three week internship to several companies.

Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Patricia Gordon-Pamplin JP, MP stated, “In recent months, the Honorable Premier Michael Dunkley was approached during his travels by a prominent member of the International Business community, Mr. Ray Brooks, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of Grey Castle.  Mr. Brooks proposed an opportunity for a summer student with his company, Grey Castle, in order to provide practical exposure to International Business.  Having gained support for his gesture, Mr. Brooks subsequently arranged to meet with George Outerbridge, the Director of Department of Workforce Development.  After learning that the intended recipients of this opportunity would be high school students, the Director extended an invitation to meet with Dr. Radell Tankard, Education Officer with the Ministry of Education who agreed the initiative would be a tremendous compliment to the Ministry of Education’s Career Pathways Programme. 

Minister Gordon-Pamplin added, “Mr. Brooks and BILTIR have the shared value of social responsibility as good corporate citizens of Bermuda to provide opportunities for personal and professional development to young Bermudians.  In addition to BILTIR, the Young Presidents Organization (YPO)  has also committed to support the programme. I am pleased that as a result of these efforts eight students are participating in the programme. Research has shown that high school students who have employment opportunities, mentoring and professional support early on are far better equipped to meet the demands of the competitive workforce than if they enter later in their career.  There is a strong correlation between early employment opportunities and reduced high school dropout rates.”

Wendy Outerbridge, BILTIR Corporate Secretary said, “We are pleased to be part of this program to provide opportunities for Bermudian high school students to learn more about international business and to gain real-life experience working in our industry. We wish to thank our member organisations for providing work opportunities for our young people. The organisations represented are Athene Life Re Ltd.; Beechwood Bermuda International Ltd.; GreyCastle Life Reinsurance Ltd.; Hannover Life Re Bermuda Ltd.; Kane LPI Solutions Ltd.; Safe Harbor Re Ltd.; Weisshorn Re Ltd.; Wilton Re Bermuda Ltd. and Bermuda International Long Term Insurers & Reinsurers.”

Image