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Give our young a chance

Businesses should be encouraged to help young Bermudians set upon a good path for their career, according to Government ministers.

Neletha Butterfield, Minister of the Environment and Ashfield De Vent, Minister Without Portfolio were speaking yesterday at a reception for 27 young interns aged between 16 to 26 who had worked at the New Venture Holdings Group as summer students.

Mr. De Vent said it was also encouraging to see so many young men doing so well - at college and looking out for their futures.

New Venture owns not only HWP but also Air Care, CCS, Bermuda Vehicle Licensing, Mechanical Solutions and the Elite Group, and employs about 350 staff across the Island and has upped its number of summer students after the company reorganised under the new umbrella parent company. "It has been very energising to see so many young Bermudians go forward and move into further education," said Ms Butterfield. "We must continue to help to encourage them and to pray for them."

And she said schemes like the ones run by New Venture Holdings helped young Bermudians get the experience they needed to get good jobs when they returned from their studies abroad.

Jonathan Brewin, chief executive officer of the New Venture Holdings, said he was delighted to be able to help so many youngsters get a good start in life.

"It not only helps them get a start, but also helps us identify those young people who have the energy and skill sets so that we can look at them when they come back from college," said Mr. Brewin.

The youngest of the interns was 16-year-old Jordan Knight. Mr. Knight has a passion for computers, but spent the summer working for Air Care in their stores department.

"Everyone gave me a lot of encouragement and it gave me immersement into the working world," said the Warwick Academy student who is about to start in 6th year.

"I like designing models and things like that (on computer). I am not sure what I will be doing next summer, but I enjoyed working here."

Jocene Wade, the group executive director and the person in charge of human resources, said this year was the largest number of summer students they had ever had.

"They did exceedingly well and have proved their commitment," she said, adding most had started as far back as May, and the numbers had increased as the summer went on. But it was now time for them to go back to school or college. "We hope that some will be back next year - and others will come home and take up jobs with us."

Mr. De Vent, said he had come along to see the students to offer his support. "It is good to see such a large number of young Bermudians doing well. HWP and New Venture have to be commended for what they are doing for the future of the young people and would encourage everyone if possible to do the same thing. It is good to see so many young people in the programme and being productive in society.

"I am also pleased to see so many young men. It is really encouraging, they are all in college and all starting out in the world."