Education minister: college poised to boost workforce
The Bermuda College stands “well positioned” to transform lives and strengthen the island’s workforce, the Minister of Education told the Senate.
Crystal Caesar added yesterday that student satisfaction remained high at the Paget campus while plans were in train to expand its College Promise Programme.
It came as the minister tabled the college’s annual report for 2024 and its audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending on March 31.
Led by president David Sam and guided by its 2025-2030 strategic plan, she said the college had renewed its emphasis on innovation, access and institutional excellence.
Ms Caesar said: “The strategic plan was developed collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, alumni and external stakeholders.
“It positions Bermuda College to become more accessible, globally connected, technologically modernised and responsive to the evolving needs of the labour market.
“With strengthened leadership, the college has focused on community partnerships, process modernisation and investment in institutional capacity to support long-term growth.”
She cited its Division of Nursing and Allied Health, which acquired advanced high-fidelity simulators from Laerdal Medical through support from the Bermuda College Foundation.
Nursing students gained valuable hands-on experience through screenings with the Department of Health, a glaucoma screening at the Lahey Diabetes Health Fair, and the co-ordination of a paediatric health fair sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute.
According to the annual report, enrolment in the division’s programmes remained steady, reflecting strong community confidence.
Last year, six nursing graduates passed the National Council Licensure Examination.
The college recorded an increase in enrolment of 565 students for the 2024-25 academic year, the Senate heard.
The figure included 297 full-time and 268 part-time students. The college conferred 90 graduate awards that year.
Student satisfaction remained high, with 88 per cent expressing overall satisfaction with their academic programme.
A further 89 per cent endorsed the quality of instruction while 77 per cent were satisfied with their overall experience.
In addition, 38 per cent of graduates signalled their intention to pursue further studies overseas, with Britain being the most popular destination.
The Senate heard that more than $579,000 was distributed across 510 awards, which benefited 309 students, including 40 identified as financially vulnerable.
“This critical support was made possible through valued partnerships with the Ministry of Education, the Bermuda College Foundation and generous private donors,” Ms Caesar said.
The college hopes to expand the College Promise Programme to include graduates from all schools, GED recipients and individuals pursuing workforce pathways.
Victoria Cunningham, the Opposition leader in the Senate, queried the alignment of college programmes with the island’s workforce needs.
Ms Caesar said she had met with its board to consider the “vertical path” of its subject areas.
On its articulation agreements, she said the college intended to expand its links with British institutions.
Revenues and expenses for the fiscal year 2024:
• Revenue from student fees decreased 1.32 per cent to $2,542,094
• The government grant increased slightly by 0.13 per cent to $14,628,329
• Total revenue increased 0.22 per cent to $20,089,574
• Total expenses increased 5.72 per cent to $21,674,830
• The college recorded a net deficit of $1,585,256
The institution’s 2025 financial statements report total assets of $21,852,329.
The statements show total liabilities of $18,453,043, with no long-term debt.
Cash and cash equivalents decreased 15 per cent to $2,319,643.
Ms Caesar said this was primarily owing to capital investments, reductions in amounts owed to creditors and accrued expenses.
In tandem with the Office of the Auditor-General, the college remains up to date with annual audits.
• To read the ministerial statement in full, see Related Media
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