Students from Berkeley Institute and CedarBridge Academy are being given help to find placements within the information and communications technology sector.

The Technology Leadership Forum has partnered with the Ministry of Education’s Career Pathways Programme to assist information technology students from the schools.

The TLF was formed eight years ago as a public-private initiative to address local talent shortfalls by bridging the gap between theories in the academic environment and the realities of technology careers in the business world.

The TLF has assisted with placing 14 students interested in IT in local companies.

Sandra DeSilva, chairwoman of the TLF, said: “Our vision with this partnership is to inspire and mentor these high-school students and guide them on their academic journey with the hope that they will participate in the TLF Summer Internship once they have started university.”

Radell Tankard, the education officer for the Career Pathways Programme said: “This partnership is extremely important because it provides senior school students with the opportunity to learn about industry standards and expectations and explore potential areas of employment.”

The Career Pathways Programme is a work-based initiative between the Department of Education, Bermuda College and businesses and organisations in Bermuda.