The Bermuda College has announced a new agreement with Alfred State University, allowing Bermuda College students to obtain their baccalaureate degree in building construction science.

The agreement, signed last month, allows for graduates of the College's Associate Degree in Applied Science to transfer credits to the State University of New York's leading technical education school. The University is in the southwest of the state, near Rochester and Buffalo.

The agreement recognises student's technical skill and competence in trade areas such as masonry, plumbing and HVAC, in addition to core academic subjects.

The chairman of the Division of Applied Science and Technology at Bermuda College, Kevin Bean said Monday: "We are extremely proud of this partnership. It is the first time that Bermuda College can offer a full continuum to those students who want to focus on the building construction area."

Mr. Bean added that the college could now offer them a choice ? either to enter the workforce directly with an Associate Degree in Applied Science, or to further their education at Alfred State, gain the Bachelor of Science degree and come out with even more options.

"The BSc in Building Construction Science will enable them to start their own construction business, or enter into the administrative side of the construction industry," he said.

One aspect of the degree programme that is offered at Alfred State University has caught the attention of the Bermuda College and Mr. Bean and Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Larita Alford will be visiting ASU in the near future to view the module where senior students of the programme actually design and construct housing units, which they then sell as part of a long-term partnership with the community.

"That has particular appeal to us, as you can imagine," Dr. Alford said.

"Given the housing situation in Bermuda, the Bermuda College is looking forward to assisting in any way we can to provide both the community and our students with more options," she said.

Dr. Alford indicated that a student and faculty exchange programme was also being considered with this new articulation agreement as both institutions use the National Construction Centre for Education and Research (NCCER) curriculum.