An American academic will carry out research on Bermuda’s workforce development programme.

Valerie Palamountain Dean of Workforce Services at Piedmont Virginia Community College, has been invited through the Fulbright Programme, the United States government’s flagship academic exchange programme.

She will be on the island until February 17, and will meet individuals and groups involved with Bermuda’s national workforce development plan.

Her research project in Bermuda was jointly organised by the US Consulate and a group of Bermuda leaders in workforce development, according to a press release from the Consulate.

It comes after Bermudians Judy Teart, Jason Hayward, Tawana Flood, Pandora Glasford, Levar Bassett took part in the US State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Programme last February.

US Consul General Mary Ellen Koenig said: “I am delighted that Valerie Palamountain is here as the first American Fulbrighter in Bermuda.

“The fact that her project grew out of an earlier professional exchange demonstrates real innovation and drive on the part of Bermuda exchange participants.

“The Consulate is pleased to support their efforts. She will focus on issues that are of critical interest to both Bermuda and the United States, and I look forward to hearing her thoughts on work force development in Bermuda after she has explored the issue with all those working in this field here.”

For more information about the Fulbright Programme, visit www.worldlearning.org/fulbright-specialist.