The Bermuda Insurance Institute (BII) is offering scholarship monies for people interested in entering the re/insurance field.Every six months the BII provides bursaries to help fund specific insurance training through the BII for Bermudians, spouses of Bermudians and PRC holders.Friday is the last day for entry applications for this cycle.“There is an increasing number of private students who are not currently working in the insurance industry, who wish to start or continue their insurance studies at the BII, but are hampered through lack of funding,” said Julie Preece, director of education and training at the BII. “These students must personally fund the cost of the classes, books and exam fees as they try to complete their qualifications, with a view to entering the insurance industry.“Some of these potential students may be just starting out, may be looking for a career change or have been made redundant and not have the funds to invest in the training necessary to retool for a new career.”While the BII is targeting new students to the industry, applications will be accepted from others who may already be working in the re/insurance industry but are seeking financial help. Past bursaries recipients have had varied backgrounds, including an IT person, policeman, a receptionist in a doctor’s office, a beautician and a homemaker.According to Ms Preece, preference will be given to those looking to start or continue their studies towards the Bermuda Insurance Diploma (BID) but applications from students looking to complete more advanced insurance studies through the BII will also be considered.“The bursaries are intended to help students get specific training to provide a solid grounding for core insurance principles on which students can build,” she said. “The completion of the four-course Bermuda Insurance Diploma is considered to be the best starting place for this training to begin.”Applicants are required to submit signed copy of completed application form; proof of Bermudian status, spouse of Bermudian or PRC holder; current curriculum vitae; and a 400 to 500 word essay stating the reasons why they feel they should be chosen for the award, why they wish to work in the re/insurance industry and clearly articulating the perceived benefits of completion of the training.Applications are available on www.bii.bm and are decided by a bursary committee made up of industry professionals. The bursaries are funded in part by contributions from industry organisations.