Switching from the printing industry to the world of heating and air conditioning has proven rewarding for Jonathan Outerbridge.

He has gained an Associate of Applied Science degree from Bermuda College as part of the BAC apprenticeship programme.

Mr Outerbridge, a former CedarBridge Academy student, worked as a senior pressman at The Royal Gazette for five years before joining the BAC Group’s apprenticeship programme two years ago.

He made the move because he felt the programme would give him the opportunity to “enter an industry that, in turn, could provide a secure, sustainable future as technology evolves and grows”.

Mr Outerbridge said: “One of the main benefits of being an apprentice is that by combining theory with practical experience, I’ve now got a greater understanding and respect for the field of HVAC technology.”

He works in Bermuda Air Conditioning Ltd’s Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Service department.

He is gaining hands-on experience at the company through being paired with a variety of senior technicians on a daily basis, enabling him to learn directly from the experts while in the field.

The apprenticeship programme takes five years to complete and includes two years participating in a trade programme at Bermuda College or any other recognised or accredited educational establishment.

Apprentices continue to work at BAC with a regular salary while attending Bermuda College two to three days a week, and tuition fees are refunded upon successful completion of the course.

Mr Outerbridge said: “The BAC apprenticeship programme helped me to grow as an individual by instilling the discipline, determination and motivation needed to achieve my goals at the college as well as at BAC.

“The company has also been very supportive and flexible, allowing me to work outside of school hours so that I could get the best of both worlds. I am very grateful to BAC and Bermuda College for giving me this opportunity, as it has positively helped shape my future.”

Vance Hollis, HVAC Service supervisor, said: “BAC strives to make sure that all of our apprentices have the best opportunity to gain knowledge in all aspects in our industry, and we take pride in making sure our apprentices complete the full programme. Jonathan represents the hard work and determination that it takes for this programme to succeed.”

The BAC Group encourages anyone interested in joining an apprenticeship programme in any of the Group’s divisions to contact Kama Smith at 292-0881 or e-mail ksmith@bac.bm