A career development centre at the Bermuda College is on track for completion in time for the autumn 2021 semester, the Bermuda College Foundation announced today.

The charity, which was launched in 2019, said the project was riding high on a $3.8 million donation from reinsurance firms Athene Life Re, Athora Holding, Aspen Insurance Holdings and Catalina Holdings (Bermuda), all of which are related to investment giant Apollo Global Management.

The donation will cover the building of a new wing on the second floor of the college’s Hallett Hall with a lecture theatre as well as “major technology enhancements throughout the campus to create a centre of excellence”, according to Garry Madeiros, the deputy chairman of the foundation.

He added that work was on schedule with 95 per cent of the building complete and interior fitting underway.

The biggest infrastructure project at the college of the last 25 years was said to set a global standard for classrooms, labs and office space.

The project launched in March with the removal of the Hallett Hall roof.

The career development centre comes with a model classroom and model computer lab, an innovation lab for developing business ideas, an updated network service with significantly increased bandwidth, and the relocated offices of the Division of Professional and Career Education.

Ben Nwasike, the director of information technology services, said the innovation lab would come equipped with high-tech equipment such as a programmable robot, a 3-D printer and 3-D scanner, high-end graphic laptops and virtual/augmented reality systems.

It will be open to students and faculty as well as the public through reservations, for ideas from app development, robotics and data modelling.

Cleun Gaiton, the plant and operations manager, said the renovated lecture theatre in Hallett Hall would allow for “more functional and flexible teaching by way of additional audiovisual equipment”.

Occupants will be able to use various devices for class or training.

Duranda Greene, the college president, said the college was deeply indebted to Athene and its partner firms as well as the Bermuda College Foundation.“

“This is a true milestone for the college,” Dr Greene said.

Mr Madeiros added the foundation still had “a long way to go” to meet the objectives of its capital campaign.

“The foundation invites both corporate and individual partners to join us in support of our only college.

“Community support will help develop a modern infrastructure to continue to provide equitable education for local students who may not be able or want to travel overseas to continue education.

“Bermuda College has been a vital asset in Bermuda’s overall success for the past 47 years.”