The Association of Bermuda International Companies sponsored a two day professional development seminar on international business for educators.

Ministry of Education officials and 15 teachers took part in the training at Axa XL’s Bermuda office this week.

The workshop was in preparation for the implementation of education reform, including signature schools.

Instructors were a combination of IB professionals, Abic board members and subject matter experts.

It stemmed from Abic discussions with the ministry’s new education reform unit, as they gear curricular to international business.

An Abic press statement expressed interest in further strengthening the partnership with the ministry through the signing of a memorandum of understanding.

Aims include executive visits to public schools to address students, school tours of businesses, internships for students, externships for teachers, all to make students more aware of IB career opportunities.

Patrick Tannock, chairman of Abic and CEO of Axa XL Insurance in Bermuda, said: “Abic applauds the instructors for giving of their time, the Ministry of Education for supporting the programme, and the teachers for buying into the initiative.

“As international business is the island’s primary economic engine, it is imperative that we continue to build the local talent pipeline by raising the level of awareness of the opportunities within the sector and attracting more young Bermudians who are interested in pursuing careers in it.”

Diallo Rabain, the Minister of Education, said: “This is an excellent initiative and I appreciate what Abic is doing. Everyone in Bermuda is needed to move the needle in public education. This programme is the type of partnership with the private sector that will truly help us to encourage Bermudian students to be prepared for careers in IB and to be productive and contributing citizens of Bermuda.”

The speakers and topics covered this week were:

•Jenna Burrows, assistant underwriter, Hamilton Re – underwriting, broking & lines of business

•John Narraway, entrepreneur, founder, consultant – fintech

•Sheldon Maybury, sales manager, CG Insurance, local life insurance market

•Leslie Robinson, Junior Minster for Public Works, SVP, manager of underwriting & claims, Willis Towers Watson

•Travis Trott, senior manager finance, Wilton Reinsurance – Accounting

•Taiyana Allen, actuarial analyst, Wilton Reinsurance – accounting and actuarial science

•Cyle Allen, legal counsel, Athene Life Re – international annuity and life insurance

•Ruth Stovell, human resources, Athene Life Re – international annuity and life insurance

•Roneika Hall, senior claims specialist, Axa XL – claims

•Laura Taylor, president, Nephila Holdings- ILS and reinsurance