TLF Launch

Exciting new IT Internship Programme launched by Government and Private Sector

In an effort to encourage Bermuda’s youth to become more interested in information technology (IT) the Ministry of Energy, Telecommunications and E-Commerce in partnership with private sector technology organisations have introduced an innovative Internship Pilot programme.

According to the Ministry students selected by the Technology Leadership Forum (TLF) will be part of an intensive 12 week summer internship program, where they will acquire experience in the ICT industry through both classroom learning and fieldwork as members of staff at a participating company.

The public will recall that the TLF was founded by the Ministry of Energy, Telecommunications and E-Commerce two years ago because of an identified need for qualified Bermudian talent in the information communications technology (ICT) field.

The TLF comprises key influencers and leaders in the technology industry in Bermuda. Their prime objectives are to encourage dialogue, address issues, propose action steps, and to be a networking group amongst peers.

The Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and E-Commerce the Hon. Terry Lister, JP, MP said he is confident that this groundbreaking internship initiative is a step in the right direction in addressing the shortage of experienced Bermudians in the IT sector.

Today in announcing the initiative, Minister Lister said, “This Government has demonstrated that we are committed to children and family, and part of that commitment means that we must prepare our young people for the future. “There are an exciting range of IT careers available to our young people in Bermuda and a variety of ways that industries are using technology.

“As the demand for talented ICT resources grows in both the public and private sectors, we are confident that the TLF pilot program will provide ICT students with a well rounded and in-depth understanding of the technology industry in Bermuda.”

Minister Lister also took this opportunity to thank the numerous companies which have partnered with Government on what he hailed as a “tremendously worthwhile initiative”.

Sponsors such as the Bermuda Hospitals Board, BELCO and Renaissance Re took the opportunity today to offer their ringing endorsement of the programme.

Bermuda Hospitals Board’s (BHB) Chief Information Office, Jorge Grillo, said, “BHB is proud to be a partner in the Technology Leadership Forum to support young Bermudians who are training to work in the technology field.  This programme will provide a great learning experience for young Bermudians and, we hope, our involvement will introduce them to the challenges and rewards of being an IT professional in a healthcare environment.”

Meanwhile, Christian Blais of BELCO, said, “By providing an environment for mentoring, training and real-life exposure to technologies used in Bermuda’s business community, the TLF initiative will bridge a very important gap in the development of young Bermudians who aspire to work in the IT field.”

On behalf of Renaissance Re, Dion Tucker said, “By investing in future employees, your organization will have a continuous talent source from which to draw upon for the appropriate skills and competencies needed in this dynamically changing environment.”

For more information on the Technology Leadership Forum’s Intern Pilot Programme, members of the public can visit www.tlfbda.com.

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