The first graduation ceremony for the Financial Services Academy was held last week at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.

Eight students received certificates for the intense four-week course which began in mid-September.

The students spent a week each at the Chamber of Commerce, The Royal Gazette Ltd., Endurance Speciality Ltd., and the Bank of Bermuda HSBC.

And heard from guest speakers from the New England College of Finance and local presenters.

Minister of Education Terry Lister was on hand to congratulate the achievements of the eight young Bermudians.

Mr. Lister said: "All eight of these young persons have attended various schools from the Berkeley Institute, to CedarBridge Academy, Teen Services and the former Whitney Institute Secondary School.

"For various reasons they have not been able to follow up on post secondary educational opportunities."

He added the Ministry of Education has joined with the New England College of Finance and created and implemented the first Bermuda Financial Services Academy of Bermuda.

During the four-week course the students were taken on an extensive tour of the Bank of Bermuda ? exposing the students to different banking services and careers that are available, said Mr. Lister.

He added that they also went on a tour of the Bermuda College, which help them to understand the principles of sound research.

The Ministry of Education financed the course for all eight students.

The President and chief executive officer of the New England College of Finance, Robert Regan congratulated the students and said of the program: "It is a win-win initiative."

Class representative, Khandi Weller said that students experienced pressure during the four week course but left with a feeling of empowerment.

The graduates were: Khandi Weller, Shericka Davis, Danielle Edwards, Quincy Jones, Vera Lopes, Tiphani Philip, Tiara Swan, and Dornette Webb.