The executive officer of the National Training Board will leave his $130,000-a-year position at the end of this month.

Government has advertised for a replacement for Michael Stowe, who has led the quango for the past eight years.

Mr. Stowe was suspended from the NTB in September 2006 while an internal investigation into the financial affairs of the board was carried out. He was reinstated the following February after the inquiry revealed no irregularities.

Mr. Stowe would not comment on his departure yesterday other than to say his last day would be September 30.

His successor will be tasked with developing and managing national apprentice training and helping to draft certification legislation for trades.

They will need to have a master's degree in business, public administration or a related field and be an experienced senior manager.

The NTB is a publicly-funded committee of Government which sponsors Bermudians on technical and vocational training courses. Many apprentices study abroad as well as at Bermuda College and in the workplace.

A Ministry of Labour spokeswoman confirmed yesterday that applications for the post of executive officer had been received and were being reviewed. NTB chairman Francis Mussenden did not respond to a request for comment.