Bermuda's technology leaders of tomorrow were on show at the Technology Leadership Forum (TLF) Internship Programme graduation ceremony held at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess.

The programme, which is in its second year, aims to encourage the Island's youth to become more interested in information communication technology (ICT), with the students undergoing an intensive 12-week summer internship where they gained experience in the industry through both classroom learning and fieldwork as members of staff at participating companies.

The TLF was founded by the Ministry of Energy, Telecommunications and E-Commerce three years ago as a result of an identified need for qualified Bermudian talent in the ICT field and is run in partnership with private sector technology companies and organisations.

It comprises key influencers and leaders in Bermuda's technology industry. Their prime objectives are to encourage dialogue, address issues, propose action steps, and to be a networking group amongst peers.

The Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and E-Commerce Michael Scott said the TLF would help to address the shortage of experienced Bermudians in the ICT sector. "I would like to congratulate this year's TLF graduates and have no doubt that they have been inspired by the possibilities, the power and the important role that ICT plays, not only in business but in these other important areas as well," he said. "I hope they will help to create ICT solutions to solve some of these pressing problems of society, not only for Bermuda, but for the benefit of all."

This year, 12 college-level students pursuing technology-related degrees took part in the programme from the end of May to the middle of this month. The programme culminated in the graduation with the students receiving a certificate of excellence.

During the classroom training sessions, students focused on modules such as business continuity, project management, data warehousing, programming, and networking, to name a few.

One of the benefits of this internship programme was the networking opportunities available to the students and the local ICT partners. One of the successes from last year was the hiring of TLF internship graduates by RenaissanceRe, Bermuda Hospitals Board and ICS.

Two special awards were also handed out. The Most Outstanding Student Award was presented to Matthew McBeath for making a positive and lasting impression on the TLF sponsor companies during the summer internship, embodying the objectives of the programme.

The second award, the TLF ICT Professional Recognition Award went to Christian Blais of Belco as an acknowledgment from the interns for making an impact on the cohort by providing instruction, advice and counsel to enable them to move towards their career goals.