For seven years, Internet provider North Rock Communications has given internships to help young Bermudians enter the telecommunications industry.

North Rock general manager Vicki Coelho said: ?We are excited to see the programme working so well and will continue to offer opportunities to young Bermudians in the future.?

This year?s interns, Jenai Robinson and Adinoyi Jatto have been getting experience in customer support by working at the company?s help desk.

?By working at the help desk, our interns get real world experience, giving them the chance to troubleshoot and use the skills they have learned in University,? Mrs. Coelho said.

Mr. Jatto has been an intern for four years and has received a North Rock Scholarship to study at Hampton University in Virginia.

?I have been an intern at North Rock for a while now and I love the atmosphere. When I first started I was really into fixing computers but since working here I have been exposed to a new world and new areas that have really caught my interest,? Mr. Jatto said.

Mr. Robinson attends the University of North Carolina in Charlotte.

?This is my third year and I really like the environment. I get to work in the field of studies and I am learning a lot of new stuff that I will be able to use in the future,? he said.

Internship programmes are essential to ensuring that the local telecommunications industry can continue to attract Bermudians, Mrs. Coelho added.

?We believe that there is a wealth of talent available to us in Bermuda and through programs such as internships, scholarships, and mentoring we can stimulate interest in the field,? she said.

Students wishing to apply for positions as an intern can contact Kathy Martin at 540-2700.