All ten graduates who were this year awarded scholarships by the Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies (BFIS) have secured jobs in the industry.

BFIS chairman Gail Martin said that all the students were working in Bermuda or overseas.

“I am pleased to report the foundation is in good order,” she said.

“The efforts of our finance committee under the leadership of David Skinner have allowed us to fund operations and continue to award a significant number of scholarships this year, even given the volatility of the capital markets and somewhat reduced donations.”

Ms Martin was speaking after Wednesday’s annual general meeting of the organisation.

She said that BFIS had now awarded more than $5.5 million to 155 students, 114 of whom are working in the industry, with 36 still at university.

Ms Martin added: “The annual report highlights BFIS increased focus on providing mentor networking opportunities to Bermuda’s high school students, as well as the continued success of the BFIS intro-to-insurance summer intern programmes in Bermuda, Atlanta, Chicago and London.

A total of 112 students have taken advantage of the programme, with almost all who have graduated now pursuing careers in the insurance sector.

BFIS executive director Catherine Lapsley told the AGM that BFIS encourages students from school to graduation from university and also assists recent graduates in finding a job.

And she added that even those not given a scholarship can apply for mentoring, internships, careers guidance and job searches.