More than 1,600 people have been enrolled in National Training Board programmes since 2001, according to the agency?s latest annual report.

But demand for at least one of its programmes ? a tuition assistance award scheme ? is far outstripping available resources, and about 40 applicants a year have to go without funding.

This despite the fact that the agency?s spending on training has doubled in the past three years.

The report, which details training programmes and lists the recipients, was tabled in the House of Assembly on the last sitting before the House broke for the summer.

Close to half (825) of the trainees took part in the International Computer Drivers License programme, one of 28 programme categories sponsored, owned or assisted by the NTB. Another 311 participants benefited from Technical/Vocational Education and Training awards which enabled young Bermudians to acquire a range of qualifications in 81 occupations through study at 78 colleges.

Last year alone, the NTB handed out TVET awards to 47 recipients, many of whom studied at institutions abroad.

?The continuous growth of the Technical/Vocational Education and Training tuition assistance programme serves as a barometer for the career aspirations of young Bermudians and manpower skill needed,? states the report?s summary.

?Each year more than 40 applicants are approved funding. Regrettably, an equal number are denied assistance because of limited funds.,? states the report.

NTB-sponsored training has achieved a number of milestones, including several firsts, according to the report.

It delivered Bermuda?s first female to qualify as an airframe and power plant technician, Sabrina Wilkinson, who graduated from the National Aviation Academy in Clearwater, Florida in May last year.

And this year, Derreck Bean will become the first NTB trainee to attend graduate school when he starts studies for the Master of Science Degree in Engineering Management at the University of South Florida, in September.

Mr. Bean trained in construction trades at the Bermuda College before going on to receiving his BSc degree in Construction Engineering Technology from Florida A&M University last year ? all with NTB sponsorship. Since graduating he has worked as an NTB trainee with the Bermuda Housing Corporation.

Early this year, the agency received Cabinet approval to establish a certification programme in Digital Court Reporter and Transcriber Training, and conducted its Apprentice Orientation Programme for the first time.

In April this year, six heavy-equipment technician apprentices started studies at Red Deer College in Alberta, Canada.

And the agency has moved ahead with plans to recognise its trainees with an annual awards presentation, the first of which took place in May this year.

It is also in the midst of expanding its welding training facilities and establishing facilities for mechanical and electrical training.

And ten new national technical occupation standards will be established covering occupations such as elevator technician, heavy equipment operator and dining room service.

NTB has also forged ahead with plans to establish training partnerships with the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic in Barbados and the Nova Scotia Community College in Canada.

The Barbadian institution will receive two Bermudians in its 12-month Maritime Operations programme this month, while a range of apprenticeship programmes in Nova Scotia will be open to Bermudians.

NTB?s budget for the current year stands at $2.1 million, 63 percent of which is spent on training.

Since 2001, the amount spent on salaries and fees has increased by about $60,000, from $151,000, while operational expenses has climbed from $34,850 to more than $257,000 for the current fiscal year.

But funds spent on ?development? have stabilised at $310,000 ? roughly the same as in 2001/02 ? after peaking to close to $500,000 in 2002/03.

Government increased the budget by over $746,000 (a 55 percent increase) starting in the $2002/03 financial year. Much of that increase is being spent on additional office space and initiatives to improve training and its National Certification System.