With 18 students enrolled and two graduating within the month, the Technology Skills Centre (TSC) is helping to build the skilled workforce of Bermuda's future. Director Michael Stowe believes a technical education can mean the difference between failure and success for some students, and he is working to ensure that more young Bermudians don't fall through the cracks. Chris Spencercaught up with Mr. Stowe to get a hands-on look at the nine-month-old school.

Allen Ferreira, 18, came to the TSC nine months ago after his previous school, Mount Saint Agnes, recommended it to him. He said the move was life changing as he was not on track to graduate from his old school.

"It is really exciting to know that I am so close to graduating," said Mr. Ferreira, who expects to finish his final exams within the month. "I currently have an average of 87 percent and about ten tests to complete before I can graduate.

"I came to the TSC after my old school recommended it to me. My grades weren't the best because I am more of a hands-on type of guy and I learn better this way. When I do graduate I would like to go abroad to study business management and hopefully start my own business one day."

The TSC is based out of the old Berkeley school building, on Berkeley Road. It provides an alternative to traditional high school. It offers a hands-on approach, an emphasis on trade skills such as mechanics and electrics and a fully-accredited programme. Graduates receive diplomas certified by the same US organisation as the Berkeley Institute and CedarBridge Academy.

Students between the ages of 15 and 18 are accepted, with the class size limited to about 24 students. Lesson plans are individualised to meet the needs of each student.

Director Michael Stowe has been working with young Bermudians for decades. A former officer in the Bermuda Regiment, director of the National Training Board and an officer in charge of implementing Government's national drug strategy between 1991 and 1994, he has a lot of experience in the realm of educating and influencing the lives of young people.

He and his son Justin have been running the school together since its inception last year. As programme director Justin is responsible for ensuring that the students are progressing through their studies at an acceptable rate.

"It is my job to track the students' progress and ensure that they are ready to take their tests and move to the next level," he said. "We have around 15 students in either our morning or afternoon classes; the TSC boasts a teacher-to-student ratio of about one to seven that has got to be the best ratio out of any school on the Island."

He added: "Our work with the students doesn't end when they graduate. After they get their diploma they can come back to us at any time for assistance and advice."

And while the TSC is classed as an alternative school, Mr. Stowe says that students are not deprived of a formal education.

"While the school emphasises hands-on training in electrics, electronics, small engine repair and small business management, the students must still complete regular high school classes. The students must maintain above 70 percent in classes like math, science, social studies and English in order to successfully complete the programme.

"Most of the 18 students currently enrolled in the programme came from the Berkeley Institute. Many of the students would not have graduated if they had stayed at their school. We accommodate these students because each and every one of them have the potential to succeed. I have never come across a student that could not succeed in a programme like this."

He added: "This is a self-paced and individualised programme. Some students may be more successful in one subject than another, so we work to ensure that they can meet their goals in all subjects. We have a very remarkable group of young men and I am proud to say that every one of them can graduate given the right assistance."

Mr. Stowe said he believes that an education or the acquisition of a skill can make a huge difference in a young person's life. He claimed that some students are unable to excel in a traditional school setting and that some extra encouragement, assistance and guidance can change everything.

"When a student learns about, for example, electricity in their science class, they can come into our electrical and mechanical workshop and apply what they have learnt," he said. "Seeing something working in real life can be more effective than just seeing it on paper."

The TSC's facilities include a large workshop complete with a detailed replica of a building site and an area for the study of engines and mechanics. All of the materials within the workshop were donated by the industry. Students are able to use the facility to learn how to install electrics and other infrastructure as well as the assembly and inner workings of engines.

Mr. Stowe claims that Bermuda needs more places like the TSC to keep young Bermudians on the right track.

"A significant number of high school students drop out and have nowhere to go," he said. "They lack guidance and feel hopeless so they turn to gangs and violence to fill that void. There is nothing more important than an education. An educated person, or a person with a skill, is far less likely to go the route that many young Bermudians are taking because they know what they are capable of.

"In order to stop social deviance we should have more alternative schools like this. If we really want to address our gang and violence situation we need to look at education. Education is a fundamental part of society. Those with an education tend to lead happier, more productive lives."