More than 230 adult learners won recognition from the Bermuda College for their achievements in higher education.

Through the Athora Professional and Career Education division, the students were celebrated this month for completing a broad range of professional and career development courses.

The group was recognised for acquiring new career skills, along with upskilling, re-skilling, training and retraining for jobs.

The Apace programme offers flexible training and professional development programmes at local and international standards.

The college said its professional and career education options include certificates and professional designations, short training and exam review, professional development courses and workshops and online certificates and courses.

It said the awards highlighted the importance of lifelong learning for adults at different stages of their working lives — from those strengthening their present skills to others preparing for career progression or a change in direction.

David Sam, president of Bermuda College, said their achievements reflected the value of continuing education.

Dr Sam said: “The message is very simple: lifelong learning. Whenever there’s the opportunity to learn something new, you embrace it and learn something new. That’s what many of these students have done.

“Some, it’s the beginning of a new career; some, it will help them change — but whatever it is, they have enhanced themselves, and we applaud them.”

Carmen Lindo, the keynote speaker, spoke on achievement, perseverance, courage and possibility.

Ms Lindo reflected on her lifelong learning journey, including her connection to the college dating back to 1990.

She spoke about the transformative role education has played throughout her life and career.

Ms Lindo said: “Education and learning is not confined to a classroom, or a campus, or a phase of life. It’s a way of living.”

She mentioned spending four decades pursuing learning opportunities, certifications and professional training — much of which was supported through the college.

She encouraged graduates to continue embracing education.

Ms Lindo, an experienced fiduciary services and compliance professional with more than 30 years’ experience in trust and company management, risk management and regulatory compliance, holds the Trust and Estate Practitioner designation with distinction and the Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist designation.

She has also served in leadership roles with STEP Bermuda Branch, the Bermuda Association of Licensed Trustees and the Association of Bermuda Compliance Officers.

Tawana Flood, head of the Apace division at the college, congratulated the students and thanked the division’s team and lecturers for supporting adult learners throughout their studies.

Ms Flood said: “Congratulations to all our outstanding students on this important achievement. Their commitment, discipline and determination are what Apace is all about.

“I also want to thank our staff and all our lecturers for the work they do to support our students.

“Their dedication helps adults across Bermuda gain the skills, confidence and qualifications they need to move forward in their careers.”

The students completed courses such as artificial intelligence, basic horticulture, nursing assistant training, bartending and leadership and management.

Nicholas Maiato, a leadership and management student who works for the City of Hamilton, said the course had been “very helpful”.

He added: “It teaches you a lot of things about management and different skills.”

Kiana Sampson, who completed a childcare course while working at a children’s nursery, said studying in the evenings after work was challenging, but worthwhile.

“It was very challenging to go to a class after work. But I got through it,” she said.

She added: “If you want to excel, go further, I would recommend doing that.”

Dannielle Leverock, a community worker with the Office of Youth Affairs, completed a course in general management, sponsored by her employer.

Ms Leverock said the course helped her learn management skills and would support her future career goals.

She said: “If you do require or want to go in management, it’s very, very good. It is just a plus to the status I want to acquire when I reach that level.”

Tarcy Doeman, who completed a certified life coach course, said she was interested in helping others and viewed the qualification as part of a career change.

Ms Doeman said: “Everyone needs an accountability partner. If you have accountability, it helps people to progress.”

She added that the course had encouraged her to consider further study in psychology or sociology at Bermuda College.