School-leavers received a boost yesterday with the opening of the Bermuda Careers Centre.

Executive director, Derek Smith, said the centre would arm young people for the job market, offering accredited colleges.

He added the service was also available for mature people with identical needs, although the main focus was on youth. Students can access the Centre on the newly launched website at www.bdacareers.bm where there are lists of Universities and Colleges, a database of available jobs and careers guidance.

"It's about solving problems and getting things done,"said James Stanard, Chairman and CEO RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

Mr. David Wellman, web designer, said: "I became involved with the project quite late, what you see here is one month's work in two weeks.

"The objective of the website is to be a bridge for students to help them make better career choices."

He spoke of how he didn't know what to do when he was a young man and how his art skills are now used in a technical sense.

Education Minister Paula Cox spoke of the importance of young people accessing the website's resources.

Gil Tucker, Chair, of Bermuda Careers Centre, highlighted the co-operation between Government, Bermuda College and the private and public sectors in bringing the centre together. He especially thanked all of the volunteers.