Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, has praised recipients of workforce development scholarships who will receive a combined total of $350,000 to study abroad.

The minister said he was confident that the young people would enhance their skills and come back and boost Bermuda’s economy.

Speaking at a ceremony to honour the students, Mr Hayward said: “It was most gratifying to meet and congratulate the scholarship award recipients receiving $350,000 in funding for overseas tertiary education in high-demand occupations needed in the local workforce.

"In alignment with several of the Government's investment initiatives working in tandem with the national re-employment strategy, the youth employment strategy and the economic development strategy, I am confident that these 20 young Bermudians have a bright future ahead of them in the local economy.

"The provision of these funds further demonstrates this government's pledge to the growth and development of our young people.

“The provision of these scholarship funds to young people for tertiary education is one of the many initiatives that represent the Ministry of Economy and Labour's commitment through the Department of Workforce Development to provide funds to Bermudian students seeking tertiary education abroad in high-demand occupations in the local workforce."

The 20 overseas awards are valued at up to $10,000 annually for up to four years, contingent on the student maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.7/ B- per semester term.

The two local awards are for full tuition at Bermuda College, contingent on the student maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.67/ B- per semester term.

This year's recipients are furthering their studies in healthcare, hospitality, information technology, construction, computer science, and genetics among other fields.