On Thursday, 19 August, the Minister of Labour, the Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP, held a brief ceremony to recognize fifteen Department of Workforce Development 2021 scholarship recipients for their accomplishments.

The Department of Workforce Development has committed to investing over $400,000 to overseas and local scholarship recipients to help develop the Bermuda workforce, making it more sustainable and the community more stable. The nine Overseas Awards are valued at up to $10,000 annually for no more than four years, contingent on the student maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.7/ B- per semester term. The six Local Awards are for full tuition at Bermuda College, contingent on the student maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.67/ B- per semester term. 

This year’s recipients are furthering their studies in healthcare and medicine, architecture, information technology, radiology, sonography, culinary arts, motor vehicle technology, environmental science, business, dentistry, electrical engineering, and biology.

“I congratulate all of this year’s Department of Workforce Development scholarship recipients”, said Minister Hayward. “This year, we had 99 persons apply for the overseas award alone, which gave the scholarship committee the daunting task of selecting the scholarship recipients. However, after a rigorous vetting process, the final recipients were chosen. In Considering the volume of applicants, all recipients of the overseas scholarships should be incredibly proud of their accomplishments.”

“As a bonus this year, all recipients can partake in a paid internship in their field of study, obtaining invaluable industry experience.”

“I must also take a moment to give thanks to the National Training Board scholarship committee members for serving on the selection panel. I’m certain that the large number of applicants received this year made the selection process extremely difficult.”

“This Government remains committed to helping educate our students to achieve their career goals. Education is key to the success of our country. Despite funding challenges the Government have not waivered on our commitment to assist our youth with achieving their career goals. I encourage you to make the most of your educational experience and on completion of your studies, I ask that you to return home and give back to our community.”

This year’s scholarship recipients and their course of study are as follows: