Bermuda College has partnered with the Bermuda Foundation of Insurance Studies to offer a series of courses to raise awareness of one of the island’s top industries.

The Intro-to-Insurance seminars, to be held this month, are free to Bermuda College students and will be offered at a reduced rate to industry partners for interns.

L’Tanya Roberts, dean of business, hospitality and technology at Bermuda College, said the course had been run previously by the Bermuda Insurance Institute — and that the Bermuda College Insurance Advisory Committee had recommended its reinstatement.

She added: “Victoria Cunningham, one of our insurance adjuncts, is now the BFIS executive director and one of our Insurance Advisory Committee members, so it was fitting to partner with them on this initiative.”

Ms Cunningham said the sessions would break down the basics of insurance with topics covering the history of the market and insurance-linked securities, captives and reinsurance as well as claims, underwriting and broking.

She said the intention was to offer the seminar three times a year, with summer sessions for students and October and February sessions for entry-level professionals, affiliated professionals and “career shifters”.

“Sessions will be led by industry professionals, providing real life examples of industry perspectives and current issues facing the market,” Ms Cunningham said.

“Bringing back the Intro-to-Insurance seminar has been a passion project for me. Having helped design and teach the original sessions years ago, I know first-hand how powerful a strong introduction to our industry can be.

“Through this collaboration with Bermuda College, BFIS is proud to help equip Bermudian students and summer interns with the knowledge and confidence to thrive in the reinsurance sector.”

The sessions are scheduled to take place between 9am and noon on June 18, 19, 25 and 26 at Bermuda College.

Anyone interested in signing up should e-mail victoria.cunningham@bfis.bm for a registration form.

Bermuda College students should sign up with their college.bm e-mail.