Eight students have finished a 12-week programme designed to help achieve careers in information technology.

They were presented with certificates to mark the end of the course yesterday.

The scheme, run by the Technology Leadership Forum, provided the interns with a mix of classroom learning, fieldwork at companies involved in the industry and a team project.

The students designed a prototype web application to provide real-time traffic updates and information as well as the ability to arrange ride sharing and vehicle diagnostics for the group project.

Coral Wells, TLF programme director, said: “I am pleased with the direction the TLF has taken and with the calibre of students and technology professionals the programme has produced over the course of the last nine years.

“I am elated to see increased numbers of local, home-grown talent on-island.”

The interns were Luis Correia, Michelle Butterfield, Kyle Swan, Zine’ Franklin, Taiva Paynter, Steve Lawrence, Victoria Santos and Brandon Franke.

They were presented with certificates by William Francis, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Economic Development, TLF chairman Sandra DeSilva and guest speaker Kim Perdikou.

The ceremony took place at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club, with six of the students achieving merits.

Ms Perdikou told the interns: “Technology changed my life. It’s amazing being here in Bermuda in such an innovative and creative atmosphere.

“We are here celebrating these eight young minds that are geared up to change the world.

“They are the future of technology here in Bermuda and their future looks bright.”

While Mr Francis added: “The 2016 TLF internship graduates are well on their way and there are no limits to where they may go as they build their networks and knowledge base, continue to develop their skill sets and become more involved in ICT careers.”

TLF plans to expand their activities to include primary and high school pupils, with special programmes designed to encourage them to become involved with technology at an early age.

The organisation, a registered charity, was founded nine years ago as a public-private partnership between the Department of E-Commerce and companies to promote Bermudian talent in ICT.

TLF aims to mentor students and to be a networking group, as well as propose action plans to ensure a steady flow of professionals into the industry.