A new internship programme targeting students from the public school system has been set up.

Now eight pupils from the Berkeley Institute and CedarBridge Academy are taking part in the scheme, set up by the Association of Bermuda International Long Term Insurers and Reinsurers, in partnership with Government’s Department of Workforce Development and the Department of Education.

Wendy Outerbridge, Biltir corporate secretary, said: “We are pleased to be part of this programme to provide opportunities for Bermudian high school students to learn more about international business and to gain real-life experience working in our industry.

“We wish to thank our member organisations for providing work opportunities for our young people.”

Companies taking part in the scheme are Athene Life Re, Beechwood Bermuda International, GreyCastle Life Reinsurance, Hannover Life Re, Kane, Safe Harbor Re, Weisshorn Re and Wilton Re.

The six-week programme was set up after Ray Brooks, chief executive officer of GreyCastle proposed a summer internship opportunity to Michael Dunkley, the Premier, to expose public school pupils to international business.

Mr Brooks linked up with the Department of Workforce Development and the Education Department’s Career Pathways programme to develop the internship scheme.

Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, the Minister for Home Affairs, said: “Mr Brooks and Biltir have the shared value of social responsibility as good corporate citizens of Bermuda to provide opportunities for personal and professional development to young Bermudians.”

She added that the Young Presidents’ Organisation had also promised to support the programme.

Ms Gordon-Pamplin added: “Research has shown that high school students who have employment opportunities, mentoring and professional support early on are far better equipped to meet the demands of the competitive workforce than if they enter later in their career.

“There is a strong correlation between early employment opportunities and reduced high school dropout rates.”