The Bermuda Hospitals Board is to become a partner for a signature learning scheme at The Berkeley Institute.

The government quango will support the school’s health and social care programme by offering students insights and experiences.

The partnership was formally sealed when a memorandum of understanding was signed.

Scott Pearman, the BHB president and chief executive, Diallo Rabain, the Minister of Education, and Keisha Douglas, the principal of Berkeley, attended the signing.

Mr Rabain said that through the partnership, students will be offered a unique opportunity to engage with the healthcare sector.

He said: “I extend my sincere gratitude to the BHB, including its president and chief executive, Scott Pearman.

"I also wish to thank all those who contributed to making this learning partnership a reality.

“These opportunities not only open doors for students but also strengthen the vital connection between education, industry and community.

The signature learning programme has four strands, or specialised areas of study: medical sciences and services, social sciences and services, holistic allied and healthcare services, and environmental sciences coursework.

Mr Pearman said: “Healthcare offers students careers that are both challenging and rewarding.

“At present, about 70 per cent of our clinical staff such as doctors and nurses come from overseas.

“As a small island nation, we will always value and appreciate the contributions of those who join BHB from outside Bermuda.

“However, we can do better in increasing the number of Bermudian healthcare professionals.”

He added: “Through this partnership, the BHB looks forward to supporting the Ministry of Economy and Labour to promote job growth here at home.

“We look forward to building a strong partnership with The Berkeley Institute as a signature school that will provide enhanced access, exposure and opportunities to Bermudian students to prepare them for leadership and professional roles in clinical healthcare in the years to come.”

The BHB joins a network of learning partners supporting signature learning programmes.

Through the education reform unit’s learning partnerships work stream, the Ministry of Education recruits partners to enhance the programmes and parish primary schools.

• Organisations interested in contributing to signature learning programmes can visit learningfirstbda.com/for-partners or call 278-3375 for more information