Last week approximately 200 people attended a series of information sessions to find out more about the Government's Accounting Training Programme.In May, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry partnered with the Bermuda College to offer a Retraining Scholarship Fund in the amount of $500,000 to assist in:— Retraining Bermudians seeking employment in a particular professional designation; and— Retraining individuals who may already be employed but who lack the financial resources to pursue a specific professional designation in their field.The first courses being offered as part of the programme are in the accounting field.Attendees at the informational sessions, which were held at the Bermuda College, learned more about accounting designations, including CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CMA (Certified Management Accountant) and ACCA (Association of Certified Chartered Accountants).Patrice Minors, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry said she is pleased at the initial response for the retraining initiative, because it "clearly indicates" that there are individuals who are serious about shifting gears in their career in order to successfully navigate through the current economic climate."So far we are pleased with the interest that this programme has generated,” said Minister Minors. “Our work permit data indicates that there are in excess of 400 active work permits for professionally qualified accountants in Bermuda, thus suggesting that there is a shortage of qualified Bermudians to assume these roles in the local workplace."The overall aim of the programme is to increase the number of qualified Bermudians available to industry. So this is a positive step in that regard and it demonstrates that we are making steady progress in helping Bermudians."Certification programmes will be offered via the Bermuda College’s Division of Professional and Career Education (PACE).The estimated costs for the courses and examinations range from $14,000 — $20,000. Some of these costs will be absorbed by the Retraining Scholarship Fund.Anyone seeking more information about the programme can contact PACE at 236-9000 ext 4117, e-mail padmin@college.bm or call the Department of Labour and Training at 297-7716.