Ten young Bermudians have been given a 'headstart' in IT careers in the past year, and it is hoped that more will now follow.

That is the aim of E-Commerce Minister Michael Scott, who has announced the resumption of the Technology Leadership Forum Internship Programme.

Speaking to the House of Assembly last Friday, he said: "The success in the 2009 pilot programme can be illustrated by the three students that secured full-time employment with participating companies at the close of the programme.

"We expect this trend to continue as participants graduate from their respective colleges and certificate programmes and enter the job market.

"The TLF will persist in contributing to advancing the agenda of creating a sustainable, qualified and professional ICT leadership pool of resources in Bermuda."

Mr. Scott told MPs the Government/private sector programme aimed to give students "a well rounded and in-depth understanding of the ICT industry in Bermuda".

Last year's interns worked in various Government departments including the Information Technology Office. There were also students placed at Belco, the Bermuda Hospitals Board, Ernst and Young, Capital G, Renaissance Re, and IBM/BSC.

The students were chosen from the Department of Labour and Training Summer Employment Programme, Bermuda College and various overseas colleges and universities.

They took part in a 12-week programme, gaining experience of the ICT industry through both classroom learning and practical fieldwork.

Mr. Scott said: "The TLF is an investment in Bermuda's future, and both private and public sector organisations play a key role in shaping our next generation of IT leadership. We look forward to working with these and new partners in 2010.

"By investing in future employees, it will ensure that organisations will have a continuous talent source from which to draw upon for the appropriate skills and competencies needed in this dynamically changing environment."

He said at the conclusion of the programme students receive a certificate of excellence which informs industry partners of their level of expertise.

"We encourage more companies and Government departments to become members of the Technology Leadership Forum as their support will enable this important initiative to grow," said Mr. Scott.

"By partnering in the objective of developing world-class ICT talent that meets the needs of global and local business in Bermuda, we provide more reasons why Bermuda continues to be a jurisdiction of choice, even in difficult economic times."

l More from the House of Assembly, Pages 6 & 7