Young Bermudians are being encouraged to follow a career in surveying, with a $10,000 bursary on offer for the 2016-17 academic year.

The Government grant is open to citizens aged 40 and under, who are in an undergraduate or master’s degree programme and hope to study at an accredited overseas institution to become a surveyor.

Among the 500-plus courses covered by the bursary are building surveying, facilities management, real estate management, valuation and estate surveying.

“When you mention the word ‘surveying’, images of someone huddled over a tripod in a muddy field normally come to mind,” the Ministry of Public Works’ chief surveyor Chris Farrow said.

“However, there are many branches of surveying that deal with every aspect of land, property and construction.”

Successful applicants will be assigned a mentor who will support and guide them on the road to qualification.

The Government will also provide work experience during the holidays, ensuring that students can sample each branch of surveying and decide which one best suits them.

Once they receive their degree, participants will receive a further two to three years of ‘on the job’ training in order to qualify as a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

A public service bursary recipient is required to give back one year of employment for every year an award is received.

Applications are open until May 13. To apply, go to the Department of Human Resources, Ingham & Wilkinson Building, 129 Front Street.