Bermuda College students who attended the Convergence conference this year did more than observe. They arrived after a year of structured training, mentorship and industry exposure designed to prepare them for careers in the island’s insurance, reinsurance and insurance-linked securities sectors.

Since 2017, ILS Bermuda and Bermuda College have run a joint programme that has grown from a simple invitation to Convergence into an eight-module, year-round curriculum. Students take part in business-skills workshops, curriculum vitae and interview coaching, LinkedIn development, lunch-and-learn sessions and one-on-one mentorship with industry professionals. Many also move into paid summer roles across the sector, according to a statement from ILS Bermuda.

This year’s group, drawn from actuarial science, business, marketing, economics and insurance studies, attended Convergence at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club from October 13 to 15 as part of that wider training.

Six organisations — Ascot, Allied World, Price Forbes Re, Marsh, the Bermuda Monetary Authority and Hiscox ILS — are offering fully paid internships to the cohort, with additional work-shadowing placements available.

Tim Tetlow, chairman of the ILS Bermuda Education Committee, said the aim is to create a direct bridge to employment: “We are committed to catalysing Bermuda College students’ chances of future employment, as well as creating invaluable network connections.”

Jo Stanton, ILS Bermuda chairwoman, praised the progress of the participants, saying: “We had an excellent group of students participate in our education initiatives this year and we look forward to them joining Bermuda’s risk industry in the near future.”

Victoria Cunningham, executive director of the Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies, said she sees the impact up close.

“What begins as curiosity quickly becomes confidence as they gain professional skills, industry knowledge and a sense of belonging in our insurance [and reinsurance] and ILS community,” she said.

“I am especially proud to see so many of these students go on to secure scholarships and internships that change the trajectory of their lives.”

• Organisations interested in joining the programme for the 2025-26 cycle can contact the ILS Bermuda Education Committee at ilsbdaeducationoutreach@gmail.com