National Training Board

The National Training Board (NTB) is the technical workforce development agency of the Bermuda Government. The NTB is authorized to set technical skill competence and qualification standards, grant certificates of efficiency, promote, encourage and assist employers in providing on-the-job training and re-training of employees, and improve the quality and efficiency of training for apprentices and trainees.

The core business of the NTB is to operate and manage the National Apprenticeship System and the National Occupational Certification System. Apprenticeships are available in the following fields:

• Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
• Carpentry
• Culinary Arts
• Electronic Systems Technician
• Electrical Wiring
• Elevator Technician
• Hairdressing
• Heavy Equipment Technician
• Major Appliance Technician
• Masonry
• Motor Vehicle Technology
• Plumbing
• Power Engineering
• Welding
• Pilot (marine)
• Engineer (marine)
• Seaman
• Motor Cycle Technician

What is an apprenticeship? An apprenticeship is a legally binding contract between an employer and an employee that is administered by the NTB. Apprenticeship training is the oldest and the most respected method of training.

How long does it last? An apprenticeship usually lasts for a period of four years.

Is an apprentice paid while he or she is working? Yes, the apprentice is generally paid a percentage of a full tradesperson’s wage.

How does a person become an apprentice? A person is hired by a participating company. After the employee completes a probationary period satisfactorily, usually of three months duration, the employer makes application to the NTB for the employee to be registered as an apprentice.

The employee must meet the NTB eligibility requirements. Each applicant must:

1. Be a high school graduate or hold equivalency
2. Be a Bermudian or a spouse of a Bermudian
3. Pass a medical examination, and
4. Successfully complete the NTB Apprenticeship Orientation Programme. A Contract of Apprenticeship is then drawn between the employer and the employee. The Contract is administered by the NTB during the period of the apprenticeship

What does the apprenticeship consist of? The NTB arranges for the apprentice to undertake a recognized training programme at an accredited institution. The employer provides time for the apprentice to attend training classes, usually on a day release basis, while supplying on-the-job training and opportunities for experience. In exchange, the apprentice is expected to complete the formal training programme and undertake work tasks assigned by the employer.
Where does apprenticeship training take place? Training is typically provided locally. The apprentice attends classes one day per week for four years. However, when training in a specialized occupation the apprentice may be sent overseas for training.

Is funding available for full-time (non-apprenticeship) students? Yes, the NTB provides funding through the Technical/Vocational Education and Training (TVET) tuition assistance award programme. The TVET award provides assistance to students engaged in technical, vocational, occupational and job-entry training at approved and accredited institutions. The amount of the TVET award is $5,000 per year to a maximum of $10,000. Other scholarship awards are also available.

Anyone interested in a career in a technical field should speak to the National Training Board to learn more about the educational and financial assistance that is available. For further information contact 292-3700 or info@ntb.bm.

Bermuda Insurance Institute

excerpted from www.bii.bm

As noted on the Bermuda Insurance Institute’s website, www.bii.bm, the insurance and reinsurance industries now form the mainstay of Bermuda’s economy. It is therefore essential that Bermuda produce a ‘home grown’ work force for the industry. The main focus of the Bermuda Insurance Institute (BII) is to encourage students and those already in the workforce to obtain professional designations. This can all be done here in Bermuda at the BII. The BII offers seven designations:

Certificate in General Insurance; Bermuda Insurance Diploma; Associate Designations in Risk Management, Reinsurance, Claims or Commercial Underwriting; Professional Designation of Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter

The Certificate in General Insurance (CIGI) is designed for people who want to know more about the principles underlying the property and liability insurance business and about major lines in personal and commercial insurance. The CIGI consists of three courses: Property and Liability Insurance Principles, Personal Insurance, and Commercial Insurance. The programme will broaden your knowledge of insurance principles, practices and coverages and prepare you for the professional designation programmes also offered at the BII.

The Bermuda Insurance Diploma is widely recognized by insurance employers in Bermuda. More than 500 people have graduated from the programme since 1970 and many have advanced to management positions in the insurance industry. The programme consists of the course work for The Certificate in General Insurance plus the Bermuda Insurance Market course.

Associate in Risk Management (ARM) is a three-course programme that teaches risk management processes, risk retention and transfer and advanced risk financing techniques.

Associate in Reinsurance (ARe) is a five-course programme that builds a strong knowledge base in reinsurance terms and pricing, reinsurance treaties and facultative certificates.

Associate in Claims (AIC) is a three or four-course programme (depending on focus) that enables students to improve their technical claims handling ability and hone communication and negotiation skills.

Associate in Commercial Underwriting (ACU) is a three-course programme that helps to refine underwriting decision skills and teaches how to select a more profitable book of business.

Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriters Programme is an eight-course programme from which you will gain a broad understanding of property and casualty insurance in addition to choosing either a commercial or personal risk management and insurance concentration. The CPCU programme also includes in-depth coverage of personal financial planning and financial services institutions, which reflects the convergence of the property/casualty and financial services industries.

Institute classes are designed for working professionals. All classes are held at lunch time or after 5:00 p.m. at the Bermuda Insurance Institute on Cedar Avenue in Hamilton. Students also have the option of self study. All applicants must posses a high school diploma or equivalent but a college degree is not required.

To learn more about the Bermuda Insurance Institute, their programmes and class schedules and costs, visit them at Cedarpark Centre, 48 Cedar Avenue in Hamilton or call 295-1596.

Bermuda College

nformation provided by Bermuda College & the Ministry of Education and Development

Free in 2008
Bermuda College is the most affordable college or university option available to Bermudians. The Government of Bermuda believes that higher education should be made available to all Bermudians. In 2008, through amendments to the Bermuda College Act 1974, Government will offer all Bermudians enrolled in an accredited programme, an opportunity to study and acquire academic qualifications free of charge.

We Are Your College
Bermuda College is your community college offering exciting, diverse options and opportunities for those interested in pursuing or upgrading their academic careers. We offer more than 30 certificate, diploma and associate degree programmes covering business, hospitality, liberal arts, technical education and workforce development programmes. We also offer preparatory college classes and various support services to help you navigate your way to achieving your educational or career goals.

The average age of our students is 25, so whether you are a high school student moving on to higher education, or a mature student coming back in, you’ll feel right at home. We offer both day and evening classes, including lunch-time classes. The College for Working Adults also offers weekend classes.

The College’s dual enrollment programme offers well-prepared high school students the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school, whuke our College Preparatory programme offers those who are not quite ready academically the opportunity to get ready. So, your community college has something for you. Choose the option that best suits you and take advantage of this opportunity. We look forward to serving you.

We have over 13 articulation agreements with colleges and universities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom and the West Indies. These agreements afford our students the opportunity to transfer their associate degree credits to overseas institutions. Our “2+2” option also saves two years of travel and tuition costs by allowing students to transfer to their junior (third) year of university. In addition, Bermuda College is in the final stages of its accreditation process with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) – the same accrediting body that validates Harvard University. Our Counselling and Career Centre can assist you with selecting and applying to overseas colleges and universities as you move on to your next step toward a baccalaureate degree.

If you’re a high school senior, an individual in the work force interested in upgrading your skills or changing your career, an unemployed person wanting to prepare yourself for the workforce or someone looking for a new academic experience, visit our Counselling and Career Centre to chat with a counsellor about your goals, collect an application and sign up. You can also visit our website, www.college.bm, and download the application.

In May of 2007 we graduated 144 students. Graduates must meet the minimum 2.0 Grade Point Average to graduate. Out of our graduates, 23% of students graduated with merit earning a GPA between 3.0 and 3.49 while another 23% graduated with distinction earning a GPA between 3.5 and 4.0.