A summer programme to boost young Bermudians’ job hopes has come in for praise.

Jason Hayward, Minister of Economy and Labour, paid tribute to the people and organisations who made the 2026 Summer Employment Programme a success yesterday in the House of Assembly.

Mr Hayward called it “a structured bridge between postsecondary education and the workplace”, giving Bermudian college and university students the chance to apply their learning, gain experience, build professional networks and make more informed decisions about their future careers.

“In this way, the programme advances the Youth Employment Strategy's commitment to expanding career support, increasing access to meaningful work experience and strengthening the transition from education into sustainable employment.”

Mr Hayward added: “In 2026, the Department of Workforce Development placed 102 college and university students through the Summer Employment Programme.

“Together with the 72 high school students who participated in the Summer Internship Programme, 174 young Bermudians gained meaningful exposure to the workplace this summer.

“Their placements were made possible through collaboration with government ministries and departments, public authorities, educational institutions and private-sector employers.”

He added: “The value of that partnership extends well beyond a single summer.”