Students can gain experience of the information communications technology sector on an Internship Pilot programme this summer.

Government announced the 12-week programme on Monday, to encourage more young Bermudians to follow a career in information technology.

The Technology Leadership Forum (TLF) will select eight college-level students to take part in the internship programme. Running from the end of May until late August, it will consist of classroom learning and experience of the ICT industry through participating companies.

Terry Lister, Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and E-Commerce, said the initiative would help address the shortage of experienced Bermudians in the IT sector.

"There are an exciting range of IT careers available to our young people in Bermuda and a variety of ways that industries are using technology," he said.

"As the demand for talented ICT resources grows in both the public and private sectors, we are confident that the TLF pilot programme will provide ICT students with a well-rounded and in-depth understanding of the technology industry in Bermuda."

The TLF was founded by the Ministry of Energy, Telecommunications and E-Commerce two years ago to encourage Bermudian talent in the ICT field. It consists of movers and shakers in the industry in Bermuda, who aim to encourage dialogue, networking and problem-solving.

Announcing the internship scheme at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, Mr. Lister thanked the companies taking part in the "tremendously worthwhile initiative".

The sponsors include the Bermuda Hospitals Board, Belco and Renaissance Re.

Bermuda Hospitals Board's (BHB) chief information office, Jorge Grillo, said: "This programme will provide a great learning experience for young Bermudians and, we hope, our involvement will introduce them to the challenges and rewards of being an IT professional in a healthcare environment."

Christian Blais, vice president of IT at Belco, said: "By providing an environment for mentoring, training and real-life exposure to technologies used in Bermuda's business community, the TLF initiative will bridge a very important gap in the development of young Bermudians who aspire to work in the IT field."

Dion Tucker, of Renaissance Re, added: "By investing in future employees, your organisation will have a continuous talent source from which to draw upon for the appropriate skills and competencies needed in this dynamically changing environment."

To find out more about the Internship Pilot programme, visit www.TLF.bm.