A continuing rise in the number of students in Bermuda obtaining professional qualifications for the insurance industry is reversing an international trend, said Peter Doyles, director of education and training at Bermuda Insurance Institute.

"There has been quite a decline in people enrolling for professional designation courses in both the US and the UK, but Bermuda has been reversing that trend over the last six years.'' Mr. Doyles feels this is because there are more opportunities for Bermudians to advance in the Island's large insurance industry and continuing growth of the industry means there are constantly new jobs available.

"Some of the increase in student numbers relates to when firms bring in outside accountants to work in the captive insurance industry. They come to the Institute to supplement their qualifications with professional insurance designation qualifications,'' he said.

"In January 2000 we had 109 candidates examined in 12 subjects. January this year we had 125 candidates examined in 19 subjects. Our courses can be self-study or attendance at the Institute and we have a very good retention rate. Also our pass rate is generally around 75 percent, which is about 10 percent higher than in the whole of the US.'' The BII was established in 1984 by Government with the main objectives of: encouraging and assisting the study of any subjects bearing upon insurance; providing and maintaining a central organisation for persons engaged or employed in insurance; holding meetings for discussions of insurance related matters.

The Institute runs induction seminars for those new to the insurance industry and regular briefing seminars on current issues and new products. The courses run at the Institute focus mainly on programmes leading to Bermudian, American and UK professional designations. Classes are held during the lunch period and early evenings.

Registration for the next set of courses will take place between 5th and 9th February. These courses will lead to examinations in June this year. Further information can be obtained from the Institute at telephone no. 295-1596.