A Government initiative to help workers gain professional qualifications at the Bermuda College has expanded to include accounting certifications.Economy and Trade Minister Patrice Minors said the $500,000 Retraining Scholarship Fund will help finance training in three programmes Association of Certified Chartered Accountants, Certified Public Accountant and Certified Management Accountant.With more than 400 active work permits for accountants on the Island, Ms Minors said there appeared to be a shortage of professionally qualified local workers in the field.Certification programmes are to be offered through the Bermuda College’s PACE division.Courses and exams will cost from $14,000 to $20,000, with part of the expense defrayed by the Retraining Scholarship Fund. Up to 100 percent financing is available to the unemployed, or for employed persons “where need can be demonstrated”, the Minister said.Ms Minors added that “substantial awards” would be given in other cases, except where the applicant’s employer is covering training expenses.Information sessions on the CMA and CPA will be offered at 6pm on July 10, and for the ACCA on July 12, at the college’s Hallett Hall Lecture Theatre.Applicants should contact the Bermuda College Division of Professional and Career Education on 236-9000, and speak to Theresa Martin or Carleen Place.