Five young Bermudians are being sponsored to study mechanical engineering in Ontario.

Roland Rhones, Jonathan Virgil, Damen Mallory, Jamel Minors and Shaun Burrows are being sponsored for the course at Cambrian College, in Ontario, Canada, by the Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) and the National Training Board (NTB).

They will receive instruction over the next four years in the basic scientific principles of chemical, mechanical and civil engineering technology and it is hoped their studies will prepare them for jobs related to mechanical and automation technology, power plant equipment and systems and energy management.

Carlton Fubler, BHB Acting Facilities Manager, set the initiative in motion with help from BHB's Workforce Development Committee.

He said: "There is a great need for Bermudians to fill positions at the hospital and throughout the Island in the field of maintenance.

"We look forward to hiring these men when they return to Bermuda."

Michael Stowe, the NTB's Executive Officer, said he recognised that the industry is moving away from specialist training in particular trades.

"The trend now is for employees to be trained in multiple disciplines," he said. "A range of technical courses at Cambrian College will provide broad-based knowledge and prepare these students for employment in a range of fields and in particular, for power engineering."