Almost $1 million was given to 224 students hoping to study the trades both in Bermuda and overseas by Government.

In a news conference yesterday, Labour and Immigration Minister, Derrick Burgess and Premier Dr. Ewart Brown congratulated 28 of the award recipients.

Mr. Burgess said their courses of study would provide Bermuda with a wealth of skilled workers to fill all industries on the Island.

"As Labour and Immigration Minister, I am perhaps more aware then most of the large number of tradesmen and other skilled workers who have work permits because of the unavailability of suitably qualified Bermudians," he said.

"By way of example, there are more than 500 work permit holders as masons in the construction industry.

"Whilst the booming economy makes it necessary for us to bring in workers in this area, we must do everything we can to prepare more Bermudians for jobs in these areas."

One hundred and twenty-four of the 224 recipients who will be studying abroad have received $616,000 towards their education, while the 100 students attending Bermuda College received $350,000. Some of the technical colleges the NTB funded recipients will be attending include Atlanta Technical College, Compu College in Halifax, Nova Scotia, J.F. Drake State Technical College, Huntsville, Alabama, the New England Institute of Technology, Warwick, Rhode Island and the Samuel Jackson Prescod Polytechnic in Barbados.

These 124 students will be studying subjects that range from Accounting and Auto body Repair to Computer Information Systems and Early Childhood Education.

Another 38 students were awarded a total of $500,000 towards Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) scholarships to attend both schools abroad and the Bermuda College.

Mr. Burgess said this was four times more people who received such awards in 2006 and 2007 and will provide funding for Bermudians in acquiring job-entry technical and vocational skills and qualifications.

A range of programmers including fashion design, facility management of golf courses operation and graphic artists will be pursued by students.

Dr. Brown said the distribution of education awards represented the Government's commitment to its students.

"I look in your faces and I see the future of Bermuda," he said.

"I say that because Minister Burgess is getting older and we need someone to replace him.

"Sometimes the Government is said to do nothing for young people, but those standing behind me would counter that notion.

"I would like to commend you and your families, because don't forget you got support from them too, and I urge you to get involved in the major development that will be taking place in the country."