National Training Board
The National Training Board (NTB) is the technical workforce development agency of the Bermuda Government. The NTB is authorized to set technical skill competence and qualification standards; grant certificates of efficiency; promote, encourage and assist employers in providing on-the-job training and re-training of employees; and improve the quality and efficiency of training for apprentices and trainees.

The core business of the NTB is to operate and manage the National Apprenticeship System and
the National Occupational Certification System. Apprenticeships are available in the following fields:

• Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
• Carpentry
• Culinary
• Electronic Systems Technician
• Electrical Wiring
• Elevator Technician
• Hairdressing
• Heavy Equipment Technician
• Major Appliance Technician
• Masonry
• Motor Vehicle Technology
• Plumbing
• Power Engineering
• Welding
• Pilot (marine)
• Engineer (marine)
• Seaman
• Motor Cycle Technician

What is an apprenticeship? An apprenticeship is a legally binding contract between an employer and an employee that is administered by the NTB. Apprenticeship training is the oldest and the most respected method of training.

How long does it last? An apprenticeship usually lasts for a period of four years.

Is an apprentice paid while he or she is working? Yes, the apprentice is generally paid a percentage of a full tradesperson’s wage.

How does a person become an apprentice?
A person is hired by a participating company. After the employee completes a probationary period satisfactorily, usually of three months duration, the employer makes application to the NTB for the employee to be registered as an apprentice. The employee must meet the NTB eligibility requirements. Each applicant must:

1. Be a high school graduate or hold equivalency

2. Be a Bermudian or a spouse of a Bermudian

3. Pass a medical examination, and

4. Successfully complete the NTB Apprenticeship Orientation Programme. A Contract of Apprenticeship is then drawn between the employer and the employee. The Contract is administered by the NTB during the period of the apprenticeship

What does the apprenticeship consist of? The NTB arranges for the apprentice to undertake a recognized training programme at an accredited institution. The employer provides time for the apprentice to attend training classes, usually on a day release basis, while supplying on-the-job training and opportunities for experience. In exchange, the apprentice is expected to complete the formal training programme and undertake work tasks assigned by the employer.

Where does apprenticeship training take place? Training is typically provided locally. The apprentice attends classes one day per week for four years. However, when training in a specialized occupation the apprentice may be sent overseas for training.

Is funding available for full time (non-apprenticeship) students? Yes, the NTB provides funding through the Technical/Vocational Education and Training (TVET) tuition assistance award programme. The TVET award provides assistance to students engaged in technical, vocational, occupational and job-entry training at approved and accredited institutions. The amount of the TVET award is $5,000 per year to a maximum of $10,000. Other scholarship awards are also available.

Anyone interested in a career in a technical field should speak to the National Training Board to learn more about the educational and financial assistance that is available. To make an appointment call 292-3700.

Bermuda Insurance Institute
excerpted from www.bii.bm

As noted on the Bermuda Insurance Institute’s website, www.bii.bm, the insurance and reinsurance industries now form the mainstay of Bermuda’s economy. It is therefore essential that Bermuda produce a ‘home grown’ work force for the industry. The main focus of the Bermuda Insurance Institute (BII) is to encourage students and those already in the workforce to obtain professional designations. This can all be done here in Bermuda at the BII.The BII offers seven designations:
Certificate in General Insurance; Bermuda Insurance Diploma; Associate Designations in Risk Management, Reinsurance, Claims or Commercial Underwriting; Professional Designation of Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter

The Certificate in General Insurance (CIGI)
is designed for people who want to know more about the principles underlying the property and liability insurance business and about major lines in personal and commercial insurance. The CIGI consists of three courses: Property and Liability Insurance Principles, Personal Insurance, and Commercial Insurance. The programme will broaden your knowledge of insurance principles, practices and
coverages and prepare you for the professional designation programmes also offered at the BII.

The Bermuda Insurance Diploma is widely recognized by insurance employers in Bermuda. More than 500 people have graduated from the programme since 1970 and many have advanced to management positions in the insurance industry. The programme consists of the course work for The Certificate in General Insurance plus the Bermuda Insurance Market course.

Associate in Risk Management (ARM) is a three-course programme that teaches risk management processes, risk retention and transfer and advanced risk financing techniques.

Associate in Reinsurance (ARe) is a five-course programme that builds a strong knowledge base in reinsurance terms and pricing, reinsurance treaties and facultative certificates.

Associate in Claims (AIC) is a three or four-course programme (depending on focus) that enables students to improve their technical claims handling ability and hone communication and negotiation skills.

Associate in Commercial Underwriting (ACU) is a three-course programme that helps to refine underwriting decision skills and teaches how to select a more profitable book of business.

Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriters Programme is an eight-course programme from which you will gain a broad understanding of property and casualty insurance in addition to choosing either a commercial or personal risk management and insurance concentration. The CPCU programme also includes in-depth coverage of personal financial planning and financial services institutions, which reflects the convergence of the property/casualty and financial services industries.

Institute classes are designed for working professionals. All classes are held at lunch time or after 5:00 p.m. at the Bermuda Insurance Institute on Cedar Avenue in Hamilton. Students also have the option of self study. All applicants must posses a high school diploma or equivalent but a college degree is not required.

To learn more about the Bermuda Insurance Institute, their programmes and class schedules and costs, visit them at Cedarpark Centre, 48 Cedar Avenue in Hamilton or call 295-1596.

Bermuda College
excerpted from www.college.bm

Bermuda College offers associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas in the areas of applied sciences, business, technology, hospitality, and the liberal arts. The College has over 1200 students in total; over 1000 are registered in credit courses. With over 50 full-time lecturers and 70 adjunct lecturers, the Bermuda College offers a variety of academic, technical and professional courses in the Divisions of Applied Science & Technology, Business Administration & Hospitality, Liberal Arts, and the Centre for Professional and Career Education. Programmes lead to an associate degree, certificate or diploma credentials, and there are a number of professional designations, and non-credit offerings for life-long learners.

Bermuda College is one of the few community colleges of its size in the Western hemisphere that offers a virtual campus with wireless coverage available campus-wide. Every student taking more than six credit hours is provided with a laptop. Full-time students are allowed to keep their laptops upon graduation.

Bermuda College offers students three terms per year: Spring / January start; Summer / May start and; Fall / August start.

For complete information on Bermuda College including admission policies, courses, and tuition and fees, see their website.

Webster University Online
Webster University had a physical presence in Bermuda for 25 years and now offers master degree courses – including Business Administration (MBA), Management (MA in MNGT) and Human Resources (MA in HRMG) – through online study. Webster programmes are designed to accommodate the working professional whose career advancement and professional growth require the skills and knowledge provided by a graduate degree.

Webster’s online study programmes group students into cyber classes with no more than 15 to a class. Class projects and discussion via the internet are integral to course work. While a student can obtain their degree or designation by doing all course work online (never leaving Bermuda), students are also encouraged to spend some time at one of Webster’s international campuses. With their Study Abroad Programme, a student taking two courses during one semester at a Webster campus will receive free airfare.

Details of Webster University’s online study options can be found on their website, www.webster.edu/online.