A 15-strong group of new Bermudian apprentices was unveiled by power firm Belco today.

The four year programme will offer a mix of hands-on training and classroom work with apprentices earning as they learn.

A total of 14 men and one woman were selected out of 180 applicants for the training scheme.

The apprentices will spend eight months in Bermuda learning about Belco operations before they travel overseas to continue their studies.

Recruitment was led by Nadir Wade, the bulk generation managing director, in a joint effort with the Department of Workforce Development.

Apprentices are assessed for jobs at the company including electrical fitters, mechanical fitters, line workers and electrical jointers after they complete the course.

Wayne Caines, Belco’s president, welcomed the new apprentices to the programme, which has been running for more than 30 years.

Many of the company’s full-time staff began as apprentices.

Jason Hayward, the labour minister, said: “This is an awesome opportunity to build a pathway to a lifelong career and I encourage these apprentices to make the most of this programme.”

Mr Hayward added the Government’s re-employment strategy would be joined by a youth employment scheme designed to equip young people for the workforce.