An Institute in Massachusetts graduated 11 Bermudians enrolled in an apprentice training and employment program last Friday.

Northeast Maritime Institute (NMI) was the site for the inaugural graduation of the Bermuda Maritime Apprentice Training Employment (M.A.T.E) students from their maritime training program.

The ceremony was held at NMI's Fairhaven Washington Street location and NMI staff, local community members and several families from Bermuda, along with Bermuda officials, attended this milestone event in these young adults' lives.

NMI's sponsorship of this unique 12-week international program began in April, on the Island. Known as M.A.T.E, Maritime Apprentice Training and Employment program, 11 young adults from Bermuda have been engaged in a maritime education program along with traditional life skills that will enable them to seek entry-level maritime employment in addition to the possibility of higher maritime educational opportunities.

The students attended the following NMI courses: Basic Safety Training, Able Seaman, Proficiency in Survival Craft, Operator of Un-inspected Passenger Vessels, Master 100 ton upgrade, Radar Observer and Bridge Resource Management.

Several students have already been placed in maritime schools in locations such as Southampton England and New England, United States.

Some of the students will return to the Island this week while others will transition to the tall ship, Spirit of Bermuda for additional training and sea time. The students are encouraged to make applications for employment here on the Island and around the globe, as they will continue to have the support of NMI in their interest in a maritime career though maritime career counselling.

Bermuda M.A.T.E. student Melvin Martin said: "NMI and its educational value, along with its microcosmic feel has impacted not only the lives of those in the MATE program, but also every soul that will come into contact with us in the future."

Reflecting on the last 12 weeks, Eric Dawicki, President of NMI, said: "[I am] extremely proud of the hard work, patience, and community service the students devoted to the Fairhaven community and to their own personal growth."

He added: "The traditions of the sea, maritime life and education, bring together human dynamics and interaction that uniquely qualifies these young adults to bring honour and leadership to Bermuda and her people.

"There will be additional M.A.T.E, Maritime Apprentice Training and Employment programs scheduled for next year."

Northeast Maritime Institute is a maritime education and training facility based in Fairhaven, offering professional development for mariners from entry level, advanced training and continuing education.

For further information and course schedules, visit www.northeastmaritime.com.