Ten young people were inducted into Belco’s apprenticeship training programme today, after completing a rigorous assessment looking at everything from technical ability to speaking skills.

The new apprentices are Etreu Addonai, Andre Landy, Jomeko Mallory, Enzi Pitt-Adams, Jalani Richardson, Mikhail Saltus, Josiah Smith, Jai-Zel Smith-DeShields, Marcus Wade, and Cornell Young.

Belco managing director transmission, distribution and retail Shelly Leman called the group the best of the best.

“We looked under every rock to find the most talented Bermudians to join this workforce,” Ms Leman said during the induction ceremony held in the Belco truck yard.

Sixteen finalists were chosen from 150 applicants; ten made it through to become apprentices.

The programme has been going on for decades, but this group was the second to join, after curriculum revamping.

Changes to the scheme included an upgraded mathematics component, a night spent on Ports Island to look at how they worked after dark, and Royal Bermuda Regiment training.

The four-year programme blends technical training and academic study. At the end of it, successful candidates were assessed for progression to graded positions as electrical and mechanical fitters, line workers and electrical jointers.

Belco apprentice photo gallery

In September, the apprentices will go to England for further training.

At the induction, Belco president Wayne Caines cited the importance of overseas study as well as the encouragement and inspiration gained from working alongside other Bermudians.

“The apprentices are working with some people who have been at Belco for 30 or 40 years,” he said. “That is the secret sauce.”

Mr Caines said Belco strongly believed in investing in the future and providing hands-on training.

He said: “On behalf of our entire team at Belco, I’m thrilled to welcome our ten new apprentices and look forward to them being part of a highly skilled team that helps transform the energy landscape of Bermuda.”

Also at the induction was Nadir Wade, managing director of bulk generation, and LaKeitha Cunningham, director, human resources and culture.

Honorary guests were staff from the Department of Workforce Development including director Malika Cartwright, training manager Patricia Chapman and training officer Jason Butterfield.