Government announced a range of measures aimed at making life better for young Bermudians.

The Bermuda Regiment yesterday welcomed news that soldiers will be helped to access higher education through a full financial grant provided to members who attend the Bermuda College.

In addition, soldiers will be given free travel on all of Bermuda?s buses and ferries.Captain Chris Wheddon, adjutant, said: ?This is fantastic. Anything which enables our soldiers to benefit from being in the regiment is definitely positive.

?Some people have problems with transport when it comes to getting to and from camp, so this will be of benefit to them.

?The announcement on education is an other step forward.

?It will enable young people coming into the battalion to strive for better things and become better people.? In addition to this, there are plans to expand the co-operative work release programme between senior school students and employers, to help young people make better-informed decisions about their futures.

The National Training Board Regulations will be tabled in order to commence the certification of workers in certain technical disciplines.

And as reported by yesterday the Bermuda Public School Testing Programme will be revised to better serve the needs of students, parents and teachers.

There was also good news for youngsters involved with the Raleigh International programme. Following the success of an expedition to Malaysia this year, which was Bermuda?s first foray with Raleigh International, additional funding will be provided for another expedition in 2006.