With an eye on the future, the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers is to sponsor the attendance of two Bermuda College students at next week’s Bermuda Risk Summit.

Abir said business administration students Nicholas Kessell, 20, and 23-year-old Felicia de Sa aim to pursue careers in the re/insurance industry and will have the chance to learn from expert panels and network with industry professionals at the three-day conference presented by the Bermuda Business Development Agency.

Abir is a headline sponsor of the March 6-8 event, which will be held at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club.

John Huff, the chief executive of Abir, said: “Abir is pleased to welcome these Bermudian students to the Bermuda Risk Summit. We hope that this learning and networking opportunity will inspire them to pursue their own re/insurance careers.”

Pina Albo, the chairwoman of Abir and CEO of Hamilton Insurance Group, said: “Abir is committed to building a strong pipeline of Bermudian talent. Our member companies have a longstanding tradition of providing educational support, internships and career development opportunities for Bermudians, many of whom have forged strong careers in our vibrant industry.”

Abir has partnered with Bermuda College and St John’s University to offer a 14-week foundational insurance course for a third year. The organisation said the lecture series aligns with the commitment of Abir and its member companies to build a diverse and inclusive workforce and to help to develop the next generation of Bermudian leaders.

Craig Simmons, the course facilitator and senior lecturer at the college, said: “Once again Abir is stepping up to the talent-widening plate by offering young Bermudians the opportunity to learn from experts in the risk management field. There are very few educational institutions where students can get this type of exposure.”

Abir said Mr Kessell plans to continue his education at a university where he can pursue a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field. He is interested in a career in reinsurance underwriting.

He said: “Having explored the opportunities in insurance and reinsurance, through talking with professionals, attending lunch-and-learns and going to conferences, I find the industry fascinating. It’s amazing that a small island like Bermuda has been able to cultivate such a strong, global industry that has brought us so much success and which sets us apart from other small countries.

“At the Bermuda Risk Summit, I’m looking forward to listening to the panels to learn about current industry trends and also to network with professionals, learn about potential career paths and explore opportunities for scholarships and internships.”

Abir said Ms de Sa is set to graduate this year, and is weighing whether to continue her education or seek work opportunities in Bermuda’s re/insurance industry.

She said: “Our insurance industry helps a lot of people around the world in their times of need. With the knowledge I’ve gained from my studies, I believe that working in this industry is the best way for me to help people.

“I thought I had quite a good grasp of the industry, but the Abir foundational insurance course has taught me a lot more. I’m grateful for the opportunity to attend the risk summit so I can learn, meet people in the industry and see where it leads.”

Abir said its member companies have a substantial local talent base and are committed to building it further.

More than two thirds of the 1,472 people they employ in Bermuda are Bermudians, spouses of Bermudians or permanent resident certificate holders, according to the 17th Abir Bermuda Economic Substance Survey.