Bermudians will now have the opportunity to join an information technology internship with the Informational Technology Office of Bermuda and Nova Scotia?s CompuCollege.

The ITO announced last week that students pursuing technology programmes will be able to participate in an internship programme after they have completed their studies.

The internship is geared towards students taking courses at CompuCollege but students studying technology elsewhere will also be able to apply for internships with the ITO, three locals have already availed of the programme.

Quinnell Talbot is studying to be a Systems Information Administrator at CompuCollege and said she found the internship to be most advantageous.

?The internship programme at ITO enables young people who have already shown an interest in the subject the opportunity to hone their skills in a business environment,? she said.

Dejon Cox is another CompuCollege student who has participated in the internship programme.

He obtained a Computer Service Technician diploma and spent his internship fixing computer hardware and Microsoft Office applications.

He said he took part in the internship programme because he felt employers are looking for skills geared towards the business environment.

?My work experience at the Government of Bermuda Information Technology Office gave me the additional practical skills I needed to enter the workforce,? he said.

?I took this step to better myself and set a good example for my children, to show them that it is never too late and that they should never let anything hold them back.?

The third recent intern from Bermuda was Schinel Outerbridge.

She is currently pursing a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems at Oakwood College. Ms Outerbridge is the recipient of the ITO Bursary Award.

She has excelled in her studies and was selected to represent Florida in a NexTech Convention National Summit of Young Technology Leaders.

She plans to further her studies and get Masters degree once she has completed her first degree.

Ms Outerbridge was equally positive about her internship experience and urged more students to seize the opportunity it offers.

?I encourage more young people in Bermuda to seriously consider a career in the field of information technology,? she said.

?There are numerous opportunities arising as the technology industry expands on the Island.?

Minister of Telecommunications and E-Commerce Michael Scott, also praised the scheme:

?With the increasing growth of information technology on the Island it is imperative that we have a workforce that is skilled in developing and managing its use. ?