A new teachers training programme will be launched this afternoon at the Bermuda College.

Called Teachers as Scholars the one year programme was designed and will be delivered by Wheelock College at the Bermuda College.

"Wheelock College is a prestigious institution and I am delighted that Bermudians have the opportunity to gain their teaching qualification without leaving the Island," said Education Minister Milton Scott in a press statement.

"Next year we will be able to recruit locally trained teachers for our primary schools from this programme."

He added that almost a third of the programme's 35 participants are men.