Belco has announced that its professional development programme for engineers has been reviewed and recommended for re-accreditation through 2013 by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and Institution of Engineering Technology (IET).

IMechE and IET are prestigious, international engineering institutions that provide a quality assured, approved route for graduate engineers to complete their professional development.

Accreditation was first granted to Belco in 1997 and is reviewed every three years.

To date, Belco's engineer-in-training (EIT) programme has produced 16 Chartered Engineers, the majority of whom work for the company.

Belco president Andrew Parsons said: "Accreditation of the EIT programme is invaluable to us, as it demonstrates our commitment to maintain the highest worldwide standards, while ensuring that we will always have Bermudian mechanical and electrical engineers to manage our operations and plan for the Island's energy future."

Six men and women are currently developing their knowledge and skills to earn Chartered Engineer designation through Belco's four-year EIT programme, which is guided and monitored by the company's senior engineers.

The EITs are: Stephanie Adderley (mechanical), Fanaye Broadbelt (electrical), Nigel Burgess (electrical), Derika Furbert (electrical), Fhia Sherlock (electrical) and Michael Sinclair (mechanical/electrical).