ACE Careers Fair 2010

Connecting learning & earning... ...for six successful years!

Hosted at the Bermuda College, Stonington Campus Thursday, October 21st -10am to 5pm | Friday, October 22nd - 10am to 3pm

ACE FOUNDATION CAREERS A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT OF THE BERMUDA SUN

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OCTOBER 20, 2010

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Bermuda Sun 19 Elliott Street, Hamilton, Bermuda HM 10 Tel 295-3902 Fax 292-5597 E-mail feedback@bermudasun.bm This special supplement is produced and published by Bermuda Sun Limited and printed in Bermuda by Island Press Limited.

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CONNECTING CHILDREN AND ADULTS: A wide range of businesses from across the island will have booths at the twoday ACE Foundation Careers Fair.

Publisher Randy French President Lisa Beauchamp Editorial Simon Jones Layout Sirkka Huish Advertising Sales Carlita Burgess (Deputy Advertising Manager) Olga French, Diane Gilbert, Claire James Creative Services Gerri Saltus, Christina White, Colby Medeiros, Shay Ford Circulation & Distribution Nick Tavares

The Bermuda Sun publishes twice weekly and is a subsidiary of MediaHouse Limited. We are members of the Inland Press Association, International Newspaper Marketing Association and the Newspaper Association of America. We are located at: 19 Elliott Street, Hamilton HM 10; P.O. Box HM 1241, Hamilton HM FX Tel: 295-3902 Fax: 292-5597. Visit our website: www.bermudasun.bm

‘Open your eyes to your future’ at Careers Fair

BY SIMON JONES sjones@bermudasun.bm

Whether you are looking to join the police, become a teacher or even embark on a career with cars there will be something for you at this year’s ACE Foundation Careers Fair.

The annual event attracts thousands of young students keen to find out more about what professions are open to them when they leave school.

This year is no different and with more than 75 booths showcasing a variety of jobs as well as practical demonstrations and presentations it is likely to be a lot of fun too.

Children will be able to talk to bankers, insurers, Belco workers and firefighters to find out what their day-to-day jobs entail.

The Bermuda Hospitals Board alone has 10 booths highlighting a raft of med-

ical professions.

And you will be able to see how cutting edge technology, in the form of a robot, is helping doctors in Bermuda to perform some of the most complicated procedures with the help of foreign experts.

There will be live displays by welders, firefighters and police officers.

While staff from big companies like Bacardi, Appleby and MediaHouse be on hand to describe how they got into their respective professions.

The Careers Fair is sponsored by the ACE Foundation and the Ministry of Education.

The ACE Foundation has helped host the event for the last five years as part of its commitment to Bermuda’s young people.

Ralph Richardson, executive officer of the ACE Foundation, has been the forefront of the drive to

make the fair exciting and interesting.

He said: “Every year we have tried to upgrade it a little bit from the year before.

“I remember when we first took control of the Careers Fair in 2005 — we called 40 organisations to see if they would get involved and everyone said yes.

“As the years have passed we have seen more and more people come onboard.

“We are at the point now where we have more than 2,500 students coming through the doors over the two days.

“We have always tried to make it diverse and exciting.

“This years numbers are way up because the private schools are so excited about it.”

This will be the last year that the ACE Foundation will oversee the event.

Mr. Richardson said the Careers Fair was all about making the connection between children and adults.

“We want to show children all the potential that lies open to them and opening their eyes,” he said.

“It has been a privilege to have been part of helping new charities to develop and being involved with the careers fair.

“It has probably been the most rewarding job I have had in my life.

“We have created a template for others to work on.

“It was never our intention to keep the careers fair for ever and wanted to help out and we are pleased at how it has progressed.”

The Careers Fair will take place between 10am and 3pm tomorrow (October 21) and Friday (October 22). It will be held at the Stonington Campus of Bermuda College. ■

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ACE FOUNDATION CAREERS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

THE BERMUDA SUN

‘None of my careers felt like work’ ACE Foundation executive director talks about his varied working life

BY SIMON JONES sjones@bermudasun.bm

Ralph Richardson is probably the ideal man to mastermind a careers fair — after all he has had more careers than most.

Mr. Richardson has tried his hand at everything from piloting submarines to living on a small island with his family.

And he is equally at home in a suit and tie as he is getting his hands dirty in a mechanic’s overalls.

Mr. Richardson would be the first to admit he had to work hard to get where he is today.

“I was not a natural at academics at school. I struggled with subjects like physics and chemistry to start off with,” he said.

“But they started to make more sense to me when I was able to relate them to something real and practical when I transferred to the Bermuda Technical Institute.”

Apprecticeship He enrolled in an apprenticeship scheme — which meant he was out of school four out of five days during the week working in the field at Masters Limited.

Mr. Richardson qualified as a licensed mechanic and would later use this skill and experience in the fire service.

He added: “I was trying to avoid military service so decided to join the fire service; first as a volunteer. I liked it so much I joined the job full time.

“I was fascinated by the job — there were so many things to do and learn and I eventually transferred to the engineering division whilst taking on a dual role as fireman and assistant engineer.”

He passed his sergeant’s examinations and rose up the ranks until he left after six years of service.

He remained on as a vol-

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ALL CHANGE: Ralph Richardson is not afraid to try out new careers. He worked at the helm of the submarine Enterprise, left, before becoming chairman of the Ports Authority.

races as Navigator, having studied celestial navigation at the Bermuda College.

After winning the 1987 Marion to Bermuda Yacht Race Navigator’s Trophy Mr. Richardson decided to write the navigation textbook, the ‘Bermuda Boater’, which was launched in 1992 and became a local best seller.

A second edition was launched in 2004. He would eventually go on the win top navigator in class ‘A’ in the Marion race in 1993 and 2001.

In around 1994 he was invited to join the Ports Authority and became the Chairman of this board in 1998.

Politics unteer for several more years and achieved the rank of Lieutenant, responsible for training.

Mr. Richardson moved on to work as assistant engineer at Bermuda Aquarium and then became chief mechanic for the East End Asphalt company.

He later moved to Darrell’s Island as his love of the ocean had pushed him to take his pilot’s qualification whilst at the Fire Service.

He and his wife brought up their four children and lived on the 25-acre island for the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Recreation while he piloted the vessels used to transport people to and from the mainland.

His wife home taught the couple’s children — all of whom have moved on to successful professional lives.

He added: “My wife and I decided before we had children that we wanted to bring them up in a kind of outdoor environment away from negative influences.

“Darrell’s Island was the perfect place where we planted our own vegetables and partially lived off the land.

“While we were there I also drove taxi in the evening to get in some extra money.

“I also skippered the Looking Glass tour boat during evening cruises.

“We had a great time bringing up the children in an environment we could control with a horse, chickens, goats, rabbits and other pets.

“Whilst we managed to home school our children it was against the law at the time so we were under careful watch by the Education Ministry — however a senior educator in the U.S. came to visit out home and sent the Ministry of Education a case of material supporting our programme — the Ministry just seemed to forget about us after that.”

Ocean crossings His next career change led him to the helm of the submarine Enterprise — and owed much to his friend and eventual business partner Beau Evans.

After an epic first ocean voyage aboard the Great Britain 11 he was hooked on sailing and began competing in ocean crossings and

Mr. Richardson then ventured into the political world, running as a UBP candidate in Sandy’s South, at about the same time he entered the corporate world in 1994.

He worked for BF&M as a loss adjuster, eventually being promoted to manager in 1998. And then went on to become the Executive Director of the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute in 2000.

He was offered the position at ACE Foundation as executive director in 2002 and is now on the verge of retiring from his post.

But that will not be an end to the work — Mr. Richardson is currently pursuing a Masters Degree at the University of Liverpool and hopes to use it to teach and train young professionals in the future.

He said: “I have been fortunate enough to have had a number of careers which have been very exciting “I honestly feel like I have not worked a day in my life — I have had so much fun.

“I still hope to teach or maybe train in the future – so there are more careers to come hopefully.”■

THE BERMUDA SUN

ACE FOUNDATION CAREERS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

OCTOBER 20, 2010

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ACE FOUNDATION CAREERS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

THE BERMUDA SUN

Prepare for your career at Bermuda College Courses help you to build skills and meet demands of workplace

BY CHA’VON K. CLARKE Bermuda College recruitment officer

Today’s workforce is thriving with bright and hungry employees who want more options, more opportunities and, ultimately, more money. Many times, in order to get more, one will have to upgrade or learn new skills. Bermuda College offers numerous opportunities and many flexible options to help career-seekers build skills and prepare for the competitive workforce.

The Division of Applied Science & Technology equips mechanics, carpenters, welders, plumbers, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) technicians and masons with the expertise to succeed in the trade industry with associate, certificate and diploma programmes. Plus, the Division of Professional and Career Education (PACE) offers courses in navigation, drywall and training for the Facilities Management Administrator (FMA) designation.

The Business Administration degree in the Division of Business Administration and Hospitality Management provides the foundation for business careers with courses in economics, marketing, project management, finance, accounting, small business management, international business and more. Students may choose from four concentrations: Accounting, Ecommerce, Insurance, or Management and have the option of two tracks: Associate in Arts (Business Administration) and the Associate in Science (Business Administration).Individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree in business may take their career a step further with PACE by preparing for the CPA, CMA, or CFA designation or

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NEW OPPORTUNITIES: Enrolling at Bermuda College to update your skills could make all the difference to your career. completing a Certificate in Team Leading or Management through the ILM (Institute of Leadership and Management International Management Qualification).

Persons interested in the hospitality industry may secure their career with the Associate of Science in Hospitality Management or train as a bartender or Certified Dining Room Associate through PACE. Aspiring chefs can set their sights high and begin their exciting career with the Associates of Applied Science (Culinary Arts) programme.

Bermuda College provides the first two years of education for degrees in law, education, social work, engineering and much more. The Division of Liberal Arts has two types of degrees: Associate of Arts (Arts, Art & Design, Arts & Science, Human Services) and Associate of Science (Education, Human Services, Science, Science (Actuarial). The general education are part of the Division of Liberal Arts and include the Humanities (Art History, Foreign Language, English

Literature, History, Music, Film Studies and Religious Studies), Social Sciences (Economics, Political Science, Sociology and Psychology) and Natural Sciences (Biology, Earth & Environmental Studies, Chemistry and Physics).

Nursing The new Nursing associate degree programme sets the foundation for a career in healthcare as a Bedside Nurse or the first step before pursuing full designation in other areas of the industry. Plus, PACE’s Nursing Assistant programme will equip individuals for immediate entry into healthcare.PACE also offers the Certificate in Hairdressing, Real Estate, AUTOCAD , reinsurance, legal studies and more.

There are a number of resources available to Bermuda College students!

All students have access to the Academic Resource Centre, where they find tutors with extended office hours, study skills workshops (Learning Styles, Time Management, notetaking and test-taking strategies) and the Smart

Thinking online tutorial service. Counsellors are available to students and the public for personal, career and educational concerns.

Bermuda College has articulation agreements with colleges and universities in Canada, United States, United Kingdom and West Indies and has been granted candidacy for accreditation with the New England Association of Colleges and Schools (NEASC). The College also offers distance learning programmes with overseas universities, making a bachelors, masters or doctorate degree even more attainable for Bermuda’s students!

Individuals may remain in Bermuda while completing a Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (Child & Youth Studies) or Teacher’s Certification degree through Mount Saint Vincent University or the LLB Stage I programme through the University of Kent. They may even pursue a Masters in Banking & Finance with Boston University (BU) or Masters of Business & Administration (MBA) through Nova Southeastern University. Northern Caribbean University offers a Doctorate in Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction or Educational Administration.

The opportunities are endless at Bermuda College.

Plus, the free tuition and the financial aid, educational awards and scholarships available to help finance education at the College make it more of a reality.

Whether you are fresh out of high school or a working adult, start your journey or upgrade your skills at Bermuda College. Call 2394099 to schedule a one-onone consultation today and personalize your experience at BC. Bermuda College — Setting Bermuda’s Students on the Paths to Success. ■

THE BERMUDA SUN

ACE FOUNDATION CAREERS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

OCTOBER 20, 2010 ■ 5

Insurance industry offers wide array of careers SUPPLIED BY ABIR We spoke to Leila Madeiros, Senior Vice President and Corporate Secretary of the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers (ABIR), a Bermudian who has been in the insurance industry for over 25 years.

Who and what is ABIR? ABIR is a professional trade association representing 23 Class 4 Bermuda insurance and reinsurance companies, the category with the most stringent solvency and capital regulatory requirements. ABIR’s mission is to represent the public policy interests of these companies around the world, giving special priority to regulatory action in Bermuda, Europe, U.S., and international regulatory

forums; and to promote Bermuda’s Class 4 reinsurers as the best in the business.

How many people do the ABIR member companies employ?

Our members in Bermuda have operating subsidiaries in the United States and Europe and these carriers derive business income from nearly 150 countries around the world. In 2009, the ABIR membership had 1,800 employees in Bermuda of which two thirds are Bermudian.

What kinds of jobs are there in your industry?

There is a wide array of careers represented in the insurance industry such as Catastrophe Modelling (predicting weather related and natural disaster probabili-

ties and outcomes) and Meteorology to Information Technology, Accounting, Claims, Legal, Financial Management, Human Resources, Marketing and Communications and of course Underwriting which is at the core of the products that insurance and reinsurance companies sell.

Most of the careers require an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university and preferably from a well recognized institution.

Bermuda is fortunate to have the Bermuda Insurance Institute (BII) which offers professional insurance and reinsurance related designations such as the Chartered Property See ABIR, page 9

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INSURANCE EXPERT: Leila Madeiros tells us about ABIR, the professional trade association.

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ACE FOUNDATION CAREERS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

THE BERMUDA SUN

How about a job at the hospital?

There’s plenty of choice with more than 200 types of jobs available SUPPLIED BY BERMUDA HOSPITALS BOARD (BHB) Did you know Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) is the second largest employer in Bermuda?

Over 1,700 people work at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) and Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute (MWI) in a range of occupations that include over 200 job categories.

We offer employment opportunities in fields ranging from nursing and medicine, to finance, accounting, education, medical technology, pharmacy, diagnostic imaging, engineering, materials management, dietary, computer technology, housekeeping, administration, telecommunications and rehabilitation services.

The Careers Fair gives students an opportunity to explore a wide variety of career options in healthcare. BHB staff will provide advice on education requirements for employment at the hospitals. Young people attending the Fair will learn about careers at both KEMH and MWI by talking one-on-one with BHB specialists who will share their expertise and knowledge.

The following hospital specialists will be available to talk with students: Bio-Medical Technologists maintain and monitor vital equipment such as anaesthetic machines, defibrillators, OR and ICU equipment and life support apparatus.

Students will learn what areas of study are required for this very dynamic career.

Occupational and Physiotherapists along with speech therapists, clinical dieticians, medical social workers and psychologists make up the rehabilitation services team. View equipment used for these therapies and learn which accredited schools in

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WANT TO KNOW MORE? Visit the Bermuda Hospitals Board booth at the ACE Foundation Careers Fair to find out more about the varied careers on offer. You could be a nurse, an physiotherapist or a bio-medical technologist.

Britain, the USA, Canada and the West Indies offer programmes of study for these fields.

Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute employs a wide range of staff members that include psychiatrists, psychologists, art therapists, mental health officers, social workers, substance abuse counsellors and occupational therapists. Mental health professionals treat children, adolescents and adults facing addiction or substance abuse, concerns around self-esteem, agerelated mental health problems, family, parenting or marital problems, grief, anger or depression and other emotional or behavioural issues.

Nursing offers the most extensive variety of career

options and ranges from bedside care, case management and community psychiatric nursing to specialty areas such as dermatology, home care, hyperbaric and wound care, ICU, neonatal, oncology, orthopaedic and phlebotomy nursing. Learn more about this diverse area of medicine and what education requirements are needed.

Information Technologists are responsible for extremely complex and extensive hospital computer systems.

Students can interact at work stations and with Dr. Harley, our interactive medical robot. Explore the future of healthcare and the vital role played by Information Technology.

Laboratory Technologists and Technicians perform

tests on tissues, cells, and fluids, matching blood types, analyzing drug concentrations, identifying bacteria and viruses and determining the chemical composition of fluids. Over 70% of a patient’s record is made up of information provided by lab team members. View the instruments and tools used to perform these tests, including microscopes and cell counters and discuss findings with a member of our team. Find out what education requirements are needed to pursue a career in the laboratory.

Laundry team members perform a service that touches more people each day than almost any other area of the hospital. Gowns, bed-linen and towels used by outpatients and inpatients, as well as scrubs and lab coats used by staff, make up the 1.5 million pounds of laundry processed annually by employees in this department. Learn more about what it takes to provide this service and career options available in this department.

Students are encouraged to visit BHB booths at the Fair in order to explore career options in healthcare in a hospital setting. BHB’s Workforce Planning & Development (WP&D) department also provides extensive services to students. They can assist you with completing community service hours, exploring career options in healthcare, providing work placement opportunities and identifying accredited schools. WP&D team members also provide school tours, health-related presentations and guidance on resume writing, interview skills and dressing for success. ■

CALL THE Workforce Planning & Development office at 239-2134 for more information.

THE BERMUDA SUN

ACE FOUNDATION CAREERS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

OCTOBER 20, 2010 ■ 7

Combining experiential learning—“learning through doing”—with opportunities for professional growth. Organisations worldwide, including the majority of the Fortune 500, turn to AMA as their trusted partner in professional development and draw upon its experience to enhance skills, abilities and knowledge with noticeable results from day one.

• Certificate for the Administrative Professional

• Certificate in General Management

Members of the administrative support team require mastery of office skills, human relations insight and the ability to keep the operation running smoothly. This certificate will enhance these skills and increase the professional value of these individuals.

Twenty-first century managers must be able to lead as visionaries, entrepreneurs, mentors, and team builders.

This certificate provides the crucial foundational skills needed to contribute to the management of the organisation and to drive bottom-line performance.

Curriculum

Curriculum

•Skills for Success: A Guide for Secretaries and Administrative Professionals •How to Sharpen your Business Writing Skills •Interpersonal Communication Skills in the Workplace •How to Manage your Priorities •Delivering Knock your Socks Off Service •Practical Problem Solving in the Workplace •Taking Control with Time Management

•Finance and Accounting for Non-financial Managers •Fair, Square and Legal: A Managerʼs Guide to Safe Hiring, Managing and Firing Practices •A Managerʼs Guide to Human Behavior •How to Plan and Manage your Company Budget •Communication Skills for Managers

• Certificate in Human Resource Management A guide to every aspect of human resources. This Certificate provides the know-how needed to succeed; whether you are a HR manager, new to HR, or in a non-HR profession with HR responsibilities.

Curriculum •Performance Management •Fair, Square and Legal: A Managerʼs Guide to Safe Hiring, Managing and Firing Practices •Fundamentals of Human Resources •Successful Interviewing: Techniques for Hiring, Coaching and Performance Management Meetings •Communication Skills for Managers

PLEASE NOTE: AMA certificates are obtained over two semesters, and courses may be undertaken individually. Entrance is accepted in the Fall (September) and Spring (January) semesters.

• Certificate in Finance & Accounting Finance and accounting are the backbone of any organization.

This certificate provides information which will appeal to all managers and executives who need a practical, comprehensible lessons in using financial analysis to set business goals, measure results, and make smart decisions.

Curriculum •Finance and Accounting for Non-financial Managers •How to Read and Interpret Financial Statements •A Managerʼs Guide to Financial Analysis •How to Prepare a Financial Forecast •How to Plan and Manage your Company Budget •How to Write a Business Plan

For more information contact: The Division of Professional & Career Education Carleen Place (T) 239-4073 (E) cplace@college.bm • Theresa Martin (T) 236-9000 (E) tmartin@college.bm

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ACE FOUNDATION CAREERS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

THE BERMUDA SUN

‘Training keeps you up to speed with technology’ Bermuda Motors offers continuous learning opportunities for its staff SUPPLIED BY BERMUDA MOTORS The auto industry is changing fast and that means that the job of an automotive service technician or mechanic — the people who service and repair cars, truck and bikes — is more challenging than ever.

“Vehicles are more sophisticated today,” explains Glenn Desilva, after sales manager at Bermuda Motors, who also oversees the company’s training schemes. “Modern cars have integrated electronics, fibre optic systems and complex computers that monitor their performance, tell you when it’s time for a service and provide diagnostics when there’s a problem. So an automotive technician’s job today is not just about doing mechanical repairs — it’s a high technology job.”

Mr. Desilva’s view is that both entry-level and established technicians share the same need for continuous training.

“Successful technicians of the future will be those that embrace technological advancements and have an appreciation of the challenges,” he says.

“Manufacturers are constantly attempting to reduce costs and improve fuel mileage, while governments worldwide are demanding lower emissions. The incorporation of advanced metal alloys, thermo plastics and advanced electronics is now the norm; hybrid and electric cars that were once too expensive to produce will also soon become mainstream. And as the western world wakes up to global warming emissions control — even for a small island like Bermuda- will approach California’s high standards.

“The integration of so many complex systems into the modern automobile over the next decade will generate a demand for specialists; initially for electronics, fuel systems and

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KEEPING UP WITH THE JOB: Glenn Desilva, after sales manager at Bermuda Motors, says you shouldn’t never stop learning in the high-technology jobs of the auto industry. emission control.”

But Mr. Desilva points out that mechanics remains a gritty, hands-on trade where skill, experience and initiative are important.

“You need to be able to identify and eliminate problems in electrical, mechanical or fuel systems because diagnostic equipment doesn’t tell you everything — it points you in the right direction. Experience really counts, for example, when identifying where that knocking sound a customer complains about is really coming from.”

Bermuda Motors, based on Church Street, Hamilton sells and services a wide range of vehicles, including BMW, Mini, Ford, Toyota, Kia and Fiat, as well as Kymco motorcycles and scooters. In conjunction with the National Training Board (NTB), the company offers apprenticeships for spare parts, and body and paint technicians as well as automotive mechanics/ technicians.

To be considered for a four-year apprenticeship, applicants must have a high school diploma. In addition to on-the-job training, apprentices must complete the NTB’s Motor Vehicles Mechanics Technology pro-

gramme and attend relevant courses at Bermuda College.

Once the apprenticeship is completed, mechanics can work their way up from junior tradesman to an A1 technician after completing their final City & Guilds Certificate or equivalent professional qualification approved by Bermuda’s Automotive Advisory Committee. The current pay scale ranges from a basic $400 a week for a first year apprentice to about $950 a week for an A1 Technician, not including overtime or bonuses.

Mr. Desilva advises youngsters to aim for an apprenticeship with a major dealer like Bermuda Motors. “Vehicles are so specialised today,” he explains. “The fundamentals of a two- or four-stroke engine are the same but all the accessories, components and even the ignition systems today tend to be brandoriented.” Bermuda Motors offers online technology training for the various brands it sells and regularly sends technicians overseas for specialised training.

He encourages students to constantly work on their personal and professional development in order to

Want to know more?

For more details about Bermuda Motors’ apprenticeship programme, contact Glenn DeSilva on 292-0893.

For more about NTB programmes, go to www.ntb.bm

make the most of future opportunities. Mr. Desilva, who graduated with distinction from Bermuda College’s automotive programme in 1982, has continually added to his professional qualifications throughout his career.

Starting as a mechanic with Shaw Enterprises, a former BMW dealership, he went on to own his own auto and marine servicing business, and worked as a claims adjuster with BF&M before joining Bermuda Motors in September – a position which, he says, “utilises all my skills”.

Even now, he plans to take courses in modern vehicle technology to enable him to liase effectively between management, customers and technicians. “Anything I’ve got involved in, I’ve always wanted to know how it works,” he says. “I don’t think you can ever stop learning.” ■

THE BERMUDA SUN

ACE FOUNDATION CAREERS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

OCTOBER 20, 2010 ■ 9

ABIR: Students should network with insurance workers Continued from page 5 Casualty Underwriter (CPCU). Most of our companies offer summer employment for students where they can gain work experience and learn more about our industry. Some companies offer formal intern programmes both in Bermuda and at their offices overseas. College graduates accepted on these internships spend time in the companies gaining insight into the workings of a global organisation and handson experience in a particular discipline such as underwriting or actuarial science.

A solid education and work experience can only serve to help prepare one for the demanding and high standard of productivity that our industry requires in

order to meet the needs of its customers the policyholders.

How do your members get involved in education, scholarships, etc?

Many ABIR companies offer scholarships directly or financially contribute to support the many scholarships awarded annually by the Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies (BFIS). Qualified students are invited to apply for these scholarships some of which cover full tuition, living expenses and air travel between Bermuda and university. Some scholarships also include summer employment opportunities.

In addition, BFIS provides scholarship advice and coordinates internships both in Bermuda and over-

seas for those wishing to pursue a career in the insurance and reinsurance industry.

Does ABIR reach out to students in any other ways?

We recognize that it is extremely important for students to engage and network with those in our industry.

ABIR member companies’ employees participate in the Annual Careers Fair at the ABIR Booth providing guidance and advice and answering questions about courses of study and sharing their work experiences.

ABIR has also hosted an interactive local radio programme showcasing Bermuda’s best and brightest in our industry allowing them to share how they started in our industry and

answered questions from the audience. When called upon, ABIR companies recognizing the value of networking, participate in other locally related career activities.

What is one important thing you would share with those interested in a career in your industry?

One thing? A quality education and a dedication to hard work (okay that’s two) will serve you well.

Our industry is a dynamic one, and with the advent of changes both in the global financial services and natural environmental that will shape the future of our industry, we will continue to be able to respond to those changes in a way that meets our customers’ needs.■

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ACE FOUNDATION CAREERS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

THE BERMUDA SUN

THE BERMUDA SUN

ACE FOUNDATION CAREERS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

OCTOBER 20, 2010 ■ 11

MediaHouse looking to recruit new talent Journalist, designer and printer are among the careers to choose from

BY SIMON JONES sjones@bermudasun.bm

MediaHouse offers career opportunities to writers, designers and printers alike.

MediaHouse, based on Elliott Street, is the parent company of the Bermuda Sun newspaper as well as the Bermuda.com website.

Island Press, another MediaHouse company, prints the Sun, company reports and special supplements from its own onsite printing press.

The Sun has a team of dedicated reporters and sub-editors who write the articles and lay out the pages of the paper.

Assistant editor Sirkka Huish has worked for the twice-weekly paper for more than four and a half years.

She was previously employed on a busy daily newspaper called the Portsmouth News in the U.K. before she came to Bermuda.

Ms. Huish, 35, said: “You can not beat the buzz of the newsroom.

“No two days are the same – one day you can be speaking to the Premier the next you are reporting on a fatal shooting.

“I think being a reporter is a very worthwhile job – people rely on journalists to find out the news and bring it into their lives.”

Ms Huish completed a Mass Communications and Society degree at Leicester University before embarking on her career.

She worked her way up the journalism lad- HUISH der learning the tricks of the trade at newspapers in Kent, Hertfordshire and Portsmouth.

Media has taken off on the Internet at a tremendous rate and new websites are cropping up all the time.

Bermuda.com was recent-

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IN ACTION: Sirkka Huish, assistant editor at the Bermuda Sun, is pictured taking shorthand notes as Premier Dr. Ewart Brown answers questions at his last brown bag lunch last month.

“The best thing about my job is that I get millions of eyes on my work every day.”

Want to know more?

To find out more information about MediaHouse contact Kelly Williams on 295-3902.

Keith Musson has been working for Island Press for Creative manager, Bermuda.com 30 years.

The print manager came over from the U.K. after completing a printing apprenticeship for Chapells my fifth year at ly relaunched to provide up Music Publishing. to date information and Bermuda.com, I came here He said: “We have to deal contact details for businessright after I finished a diplowith all sorts of jobs. es on the island. ma in digital media over in “A lot of the work is makBakari Smith, is one of Canada. ing sure we hit deadlines the main “I guess the and get the publicadesigners best thing about tion done to the cost behind the my job is that I and likes of the cuswebsite’s get millions of tomer. new look. eyes on my “When everything The 29work every day. goes well and the year-old creIt’s good to product comes out ative managknow people are looking good you do er is respon- SMITH looking at your MUSSON get a real sense of sible for hard work.” achievement. keeping the site up to date Meanwhile the printing “I got into printing and putting adverts up. staff work around the clock because it was well paid and He has to report on the to bring out the Sun and a I had an artistic flair that I number of views and clicks variety of other publicawanted to use.” the site gets to help it keep tions.

MediaHouse is keen to improving.

They deal with about 300 recruit local talent and is And in his spare he does a jobs a month from business keen to hear from anyone lot of freelance working cards to the annual reports interested in pursuing a designing party posters. of some of the big insurcareer in the media. ■ Mr. Smith said: “This is ance companies.

BAKARI SMITH

12 ■ OCTOBER 20, 2010

ACE FOUNDATION CAREERS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

THE BERMUDA SUN

THE BERMUDA SUN

ACE FOUNDATION CAREERS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

OCTOBER 20, 2010 ■ 13

Insurance is ‘driving force of our economy’ SUPPLIED BY BFIS What does insurance have to do with you?

In Bermuda, you work in insurance, or you’re related to someone who does, or you live next door to someone who does. Insurance is the driving force in Bermuda’s economy, and Bermuda is now one of the top insurance capitals in the world, which it has become within your lifetime.

The insurance industry in Bermuda directly employs thousands of people, most of them Bermudians, ranging from clerical staff to a growing number of company presidents. Insurance people eat in our restaurants, buy their clothes in our stores, have their hair cut by local

barbers and fly in and out on airplanes that would probably not be in service without them.

Jobs in insurance require the ability to research and analyse and then to make use of what’s been learned to make a judgement about what risks the company will underwrite.

Although most of those in the industry do have insurance-specific degrees, such as Risk Management, Finance or Economics, you will find others with degrees in English, History or Philosophy. What they have demonstrated, in their discipline, is the ability to absorb and analyse information and communicate their conclusions to others.

If you enjoy math problems, maybe you have the

talent and skills needed to be an actuary or a catastrophe computer modeller.

With a degree in Geography you might find yourself underwriting risks that are related to earthquakes or bad weather. The work is engrossing and the pay is good. In Bermuda, if you have these skills or the ability to develop them, good jobs are available.

How do you get the education for a career in insurance?

The Bermuda Foundation For Insurance Studies (BFIS) is your doorway into the insurance industry.

Since 1996, BFIS has been providing scholarships to college students studying subjects relevant to the industry. The Foundation was started in 1996 by

Bermuda’s insurance industry leaders to help Bermudian students to get the right education and training necessary to enter the industry.

Who can apply for a BFIS scholarship?

Any student who wants to get into insurance and has a GPA of 3.0 or above.

Academic ability is a priority but financial need can also be taken into consideration. Students should be well-rounded and involved in extracurricular activities. All academic years are eligible — from freshmen to post-graduate students.

What subjects to you have to major in?

BFIS scholarships are offered to students planning See BFIS, page 16

14 ■ OCTOBER 20, 2010

ACE FOUNDATION CAREERS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

THE BERMUDA SUN

THE BERMUDA SUN

ACE FOUNDATION CAREERS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

OCTOBER 20, 2010 ■ 15

BELCO can help to develop your career Bermudians being sought to play an active role in energy company SUPPLIED BY BELCO Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited (BELCO) is seeking competent, committed and qualified Bermudians to play an active role in Bermuda’s energy future.

However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to identify talented people who possess the skills, education and attitude necessary to fill essential roles.

Therefore, BELCO’s approach is proactive and we believe it is our responsibility to develop, educate and advance students from a very early age. We are working to establish a pipeline of talented young Bermudians who are willing to learn and assist with generating, producing and delivering cost effective, reliable, greener and cleaner energy to meet Bermuda’s changing needs.

BELCO’s career outreach involves both formal and informal programmes. We participate in career fairs and career presentations at the primary, middle school and high school level.

We also provide high school students an opportunity to be mentored at BELCO, through our High School Work Placement Programme. We liaise with guidance counsellors and teachers at schools, both public and private, to identify those students who demonstrate the skills required for a technical career. In turn, students have the opportunity to demonstrate their personal interest in a specific career area and are encouraged to identify their career-related “core competencies” that apply to the energy industry.

BELCO’s Industrial Trades Development Programme partners with the National Training Board to enable apprentices to develop rewarding careers as certified mechanical or electrical tradesper-

“We are working to establish a pipeline of talented young Bermudians.”

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PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES: BELCO has both technical and non-technical careers for men and women. sons.

Apprentices combine technical training in a trade with work experience, spending approximately 80 percent of the time learning on the job from a qualified tradesperson. They spend eight weeks each year, attending overseas technical training. Completion of the programme takes approximately four years, depending on the chosen trade. BELCO’s Industrial Trades Development Programme is supported through Nova Scotia Community College, which provides our apprentices with the technical knowledge required for certification.

At college and university level, BELCO provides undergraduate scholarships in engineering and postgraduate scholarships in engineering and business and social sciences. Our Summer Internship Programme allows students to gain critical hands-on experience in their chosen fields, while furthering their education.

BELCO’s Engineer in Training Programme is designed to develop engineering graduates to meet the demands of our diverse business environment. With BELCO’s support, each engineering graduate accepted into the programme is given the opportunity to acquire technical, financial and practical knowledge through multiple-discipline training, and

sets them on a path of continuing professional development throughout their careers. Our EITs receive structured training and development and each is assigned a mentor, who guides and monitors their progress through to chartered/professional engineer status.

BELCO has many opportunities for individuals interested in both technical and non-technical careers.

We are committed to developing and advancing young Bermudian men and women, who are interested in becoming energy professionals. ■

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED in learning more, please visit the website at www.belcotalent.bm.

■ FILE PHOTO

ON THE LOOK OUT: BELCO takes a proactive approach in reaching out to students interested in energy careers.

16 ■ OCTOBER 20, 2010

ACE FOUNDATION CAREERS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

THE BERMUDA SUN

Bacardi helps you meet your training goals SUPPLIED BY BACARDI Bacardi is keenly supportive of further education and training.

Bermuda may be a small community, but there are many opportunities to advance rewarding careers in today’s fast-paced global environment. The key to tapping into opportunities is continuous education and a positive attitude.

Bacardi is uniquely positioned in Bermuda, being an important global player in the consumer packaged goods industry.

Opportunities abound for motivated individuals to succeed in a variety of positions because Bacardi is keenly supportive of further education and training.

That’s why Loredana Perrin is happy to be a part of such a forward-looking company. Ms Perrin, with a Bachelor of Arts in languages and a teaching qualification, is the customer service manager servicing distributors in North America and Latin America. “I am extremely fortunate to work with an international company such as Bacardi,” says Ms Perrin. “Bacardi has given me the possibility to use my language skills, travel and grow.”

Miss Perrin has taken numerous management and information technology (IT) courses. She believes that a positive attitude is an appreciated asset. “You should always be willing to learn and grow,” says Ms

BFIS Continued from page 13 careers in insurance but that doesn’t mean they have to be actually studying Insurance or Risk Management - they should be majoring in a subject relevant to the industry such as Economics, Finance, Math, Actuarial Science, Accounting, Corporate Law or Computer Science. BFIS currently has scholars

■ FILE PHOTO

REACHING YOUR POTENTIAL: Bacardi offers continuous training and education opportunities for its employees.

Perrin. “Take advantage of any training offered by your company. Things are always changing and it is to your benefit to learn new skills.”

Shelly Fubler, a Warwick Academy graduate, is fulfilling her aspirations with the support of Bacardi — first in obtaining a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Mount Saint Vincent University in association with Bermuda College, and most recently obtaining the Certified Management Accounting (CMA) designation.

“As an employee of Bacardi for the past 13 years I’ve had many rewarding experiences. This past year Bacardi afforded me the opportunity to broaden my experiences, by being desig-

nated a subject matter expert for the implementation of our new Global operating system. This enabled me to work with employees from different parts of the world, to collaborate on the design of the system and to deliver end user training.”

Ms Fubler offers this advice to students, “A solid educational foundation can lead to many doors being opened for you, providing you with rewarding experiences.”

Nelson Mederios has recently been promoted to the position of IT manager in Bacardi’s local IT department. Mr. Mederios graduated from DeVry Institute with a degree in Electronic Engineering. “The IT industry is a continuous

studying Commerce, Statistics, Geography and Business.

How else does BFIS help undergraduate students?

The BFIS Mentor Network matches students with young insurance professionals already established in the industry.

Through mentoring, students can receive advice, support and career guidance, and become familiar with what is expected in a working environment.

The BFIS Summer Insurance Study Programmes send 12 Junior or Senior year undergraduates to spend up to three weeks in either Bermuda, London or Chicago, learning first-hand about insurance and what to expect in an insurance career.

What does BFIS do for high school students?

The BFIS Career Presentation explains to students how the industry works and the types of jobs

learning career. Upgrading your skills is a requirement to stay abreast of the most recent changes and updates in the industry.”

Mr. Mederios has taken the opportunity to attend courses and conferences to develop his career. With the added responsibility of managing a team of professionals, “I have not only had to learn a number of different technical fields in the industry, I now have to enhance my people and management skills so that I keep my team motivated to support the various applications and projects to meet Bacardi’s strategic requirements.

“It is important to provide the team with learning and development opportunities that will keep the department on the cutting edge to support Bacardi’s infrastructure.”

The enthusiastic trio all agree that Bacardi is a perfect arena to develop interesting careers. “Bacardi is an innovative company continually reinventing itself in various areas, like employee relations and benefits, community participation, and operating systems,” Ms Fubler says.

Mr. Mederios agrees with Ms Fubler, saying “Bacardi is always implementing technologies that bring everyone together.

Continually looking to improve, continually looking to expand.” ■

within an insurance company. The BFIS Insurance Careers video features young Bermudians talking about what they do in their insurance jobs.

Visit the BFIS website at www.bfis.bm to find out more about the BFIS programmes and how BFIS can help you reach your career goals. ■

EMAIL:Cathy.Lapsley@bfis.b m or call 295-1266.