A weeklong campaign to connect Bermuda’s young people with the island’s international business market starts on Monday with school visits, mentorship programmes, scholarships promotion, and a new animated video highlighting the economic impact of global industries on the island.

International Business Week is led by the Association of Bermuda International Companies.

Patrick Tannock, Abic chairman, said: “We’re pleased to team with industry groups and the BDA [Bermuda Business Development Agency] to drive this initiative as part of our ongoing ‘Everybody’s Business’ campaign. As international business is the economic engine of the country and Bermuda is a world-respected international business jurisdiction, it’s important that we maintain an enabling environment for the free flow of high-quality intellectual capital, while simultaneously developing diverse local talent to continue our track record of innovation excellence.

“Therefore, our focus this year is on increasing awareness of career opportunities in international business.”

He said middle-school students have been invited to visit Abic member companies and connect with Bermudians already working in the sector.

“Through radio and television shows, advertisements on the back of buses, and social media, we’re also promoting different ways students can learn more about business careers,” Mr Tannock added.

Some 3,700 island residents work in international business, 65 per cent of them Bermudians or spouses of Bermudians. Another 6,100 jobs exist in supporting industries such as banking, legal, audit and accounting firms.

A new video, produced by Uber Super Duper, along with other campaign materials featuring photography by Bermudian Meredith Andrews, underscores how the “multiplier effect” results in an additional 1.3 jobs being created across Bermuda’s economy for every IB position. It’s the second video in ABIC’s series, after 2015’s International Business is Everybody’s Business that attracted 30,000-plus views.

Educational opportunities to help students access international business jobs are key to the campaign. Abic members have supported more than 650 Bermuda students with college scholarships over the past 42 years, and the new campaign encourages young people to explore opportunities via https://www.bermudascholarships.com

Other IB Week initiatives will include:

• Visits by the island’s middle schools to global insurance companies, building on Abic’s ongoing work with teachers to create curricula geared to this age group;

• Video interviews by Qian Dickinson, of social network Bermemes, with industry leaders;

• An ad campaign showcasing the video on Bermuda’s economy: http://bit.ly/IBJOBS

• Radio talk shows featuring Bermudians who work in IB careers;

• Ads on buses, posters and brochures highlighting tips for students considering IB careers

Other partners of International Business Week are the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers, Bermuda International Long Term Insurers and Reinsurers, and the Bermuda Business Development Agency.

Rosemary Jones, the BDA’s head of communications and marketing, said: “Our message to young people is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to jobs in Bermuda’s global business market.

“A diverse range of interests and skill sets are needed, from science, maths and information technology to arts, social studies, languages and communications. There are opportunities for students from all types of backgrounds, and in many different kinds of industries here.”

International Business Week coincides with Insurance Careers Month, which is being marked around the world.