The alumni of the defunct Bermuda Technical Institute will be holding a number of social events in coming weeks to mark the school?s 50th anniversary.

The Bermuda Technical Institute (BTI) was an all-boys high school dedicated to teaching trades and technical skills which operated from 1956 to 1972.

Over those 16 years the school produced hundreds of highly skilled graduates who went on to be successful in a wide range of fields.

In 1972, BTI ? or the Tech as it was more commonly known ? was forced to close its doors to full time students, however, and later it was completely absorbed by the Bermuda College.

While in operation the school took male students between the ages of 12 and 17 who were thought to be less academically inclined.

But the school?s hands on training and high calibre teaching staff challenged the students to pursue their goals and to believe in themselves.

Many of the Tech?s over 600 graduates went on to pursue further education at a time when most school leavers didn?t even consider a college level of education.

The Tech was also Bermuda?s first integrated school.

Former teacher Alfred Carey said the school graduated a rare breed of individuals, who were well placed for success.

?They didn?t ask how much they would be paid,? when looking for a job, he said.

?They just asked ?What do you want me to do??

?And even if that meant sweeping the floor they would do it properly.

Whatever they were asked to do they did. So they progressed well in their field as well as other fields.?

BTI graduate delMonte V. Davis, who is now circulation manager of , said his time at the school left an indelible mark on his life.

?Not only did we learn trades, but we learned how to think, solve problems and we learned leadership,? Mr. Davis said.

?The hallmark of Tech for me was that it had extraordinarily attentive and caring teachers and staff.

?And for many of us young boys it was exactly what we needed in terms of that stage of our education and our lives. I think many Tech students will tell you that.?

Corporate consultant Eugene Saunders, another graduate, agreed.

?It was a very good experience ? particularly the aspect of the mix of academic and vocational studies,? he said.

?And it made me more of a rounded person in terms of abilities.?

Many of the school?s graduates remain in touch to this day but the 50th anniversary of the school offers another opportunity for former students to reconnect.

To mark the anniversary, alumni have planned three special events,

A dinner cruise on the has been planned Sunday, August 6.

This event will be followed by a Black Tie/School Tie Banquet to be held at the Fairmont Southampton hotel on September 2.

And finally, all alumni and former instructors are invited to attend a 50th Commemoration ceremony at Hamilton Cathedral on September 6.

For more information on the Tech?s 50th anniversary celebrations or to make ticket reservations, please visit www.bti.bm or call 296-1036.