More Bermudians should be looking at getting a higher education qualification to help boost the economy and fill specialist jobs previously held by guest workers.That is according to Economy Minister Kim Wilson, who was addressing the recipients of the Association of Bermuda International Companies (ABIC) Education Awards and their parents at a ceremony held at the Harbourfront Restaurant yesterday.Sen Wilson said Bermuda had not been producing enough qualified graduates for many years now while the number of work permit holders in technical and professional roles remained high.She said that while guest workers were needed to support the economy, there were a range of opportunities available to Bermudians in the public and private sector, such as engineers, accountants, marine specialists, insurance specialists and actuaries, however an insufficient amount were gaining the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfil those positions."Students, our economic future is dependent on your future contributions," she said."Your pursuit of higher education is crucial to maintain Bermuda's economic strength in an increasingly competitive world."Sen Wilson said it was key for the students to always strive for success and to celebrate those successes, while the global economic downturn had resulted in a highly unpredictable environment for businesses and they needed to adapt to adapt to these changing times."You need a new mindset and skillset to compete," she said."You need to focus on building skills to take advantage of opportunities."So study hard, collect your experiences and enjoy the journey."Among the recipients were Alexander Abbott, Allantae Basden, Rashida Bean, Shonte Campbell, Ciera Fox, Jennifer Medeiros, Jotessa Musson, Brian Perry, Carlsen Philip II, Dominique Richardson, Tiffany Samuels, Samantha Saunders, Terrin Smith, Katrina Simons, Shaunte Simons, Seth Wilson and Lisa Trott.Ms Campbell was presented with the 2011 Michelle Outerbridge Award, which is valued at $5,000 and is given to the scholarship winner who displays qualities of top academic achievement and an outgoing personality. Having completed her studies at the Hotchkiss School with a high academic average, she will be enrolling in a degree in Accounting at Wofford College in the Autumn and believes she has an important role to play in the future success of international business.The sponsors included Validus Re, HFI LP, Platinum Underwriters Bermuda Ltd, The Harry Wilken Memorial Scholarship, Alterra Capital, Bacardi Ltd, the Oil Group of Companies, Aon Group (Bermuda), Endurance Specialty, Flagstone Reassurance Suisse (Bermuda branch), Zurich, Arrow Capital, Tokio Millennium Re Ltd, Lombard Odier Darrier Hentch, Amlin Bermuda Ltd, PartnerRe Ltd, ABIC Members Award, XL Foundation, Aspen Insurance Ltd, Ace Group of Companies and Ariel Reinsurance Ltd.The event was also attended by Premier and Finance Minister Paula Cox, Education Minister Dame Jennifer Smith and executive vice-president of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, Diane Gordon. The aim of the scholarship programme, which is in its 34th year, is to provide financial assistance to Bermudian students pursuing higher education degrees, primarily related to international business, in the long-term developing highly-trained individuals who will return to the Island to help strengthen the industry and the economy.To date more than $4 million has been donated to the programme over the past 10 years by international business companies based in Bermuda, with approximately 50 companies contributing on an annual basis.About 214 students have been given two-year scholarships over the past 10 years based on financial need, academic ability and their field of study, with students attending colleges and universities in Canada, the US, the UK, Ireland, Europe and Australia.Around 60 to 80 applications are received per year from Bermudian students and annually 16 to 25 students benefit from the awards which are valued at $30,000 for two years.This year, ABIC received 56 completed applications, conducted 35 interviews and presented 16 awards, with a total of $541,200 being raised for their funding.