for training in the insurance and reinsurance industries.

Evidence of that is well on display this week, when nearly twice as many Bermuda-based students as last year, receive insurance education awards at Wednesday's BII luncheon at the Bermuda Underwater Education Institute.

Director of training, Peter Doyles, said that 48 students will receive awards -- the highest number in the BII's near 30 year history.

He said, "There were 714 people who came to us for education last year. Many came for general training, such as seminars.

"But this year, 48 are receiving awards in ten different insurance designations.'' BII president Larry Lombardo said, "It's outstanding that people are taking the time to improve their education with a view toward advancing in the industry.

"For many Bermudians just starting out, the Bermuda Insurance Diploma is becoming that first step into insurance studies.'' Beyond that, it was two years ago, after a BII strategic review, that a decision was taken to offer more courses from the Insurance Institute of America (IIA) in Pennsylvania. The BII administers the IIA courses and exams.

Said BII director of information Roger Scotton, "We decided to offer these US insurance courses, after previously being heavily focused on the British designations and qualifications.

"But we saw the way the industry was going -- increasingly North American orientated -- and we decided to add these new programmes to the list. And that, together I'm sure with the substantial growth in the Bermuda market, really succeeded in drawing in all of these new students.

Mr. Doyles said, "There was enthusiasm for these courses. For example, most people take two years to complete a designation, but some of them managed to complete the programme in a year.

"We had 143 people register this September. It reflects the importance the insurance industry's 150 corporate members place on education, because just about all of the students who are working in the industry get fees and books paid for by their employers.'' But not all of the students come from within the industry. Mr. Doyles said those who are trying to get into the industry, start with the introductory course offered by the BII.

He said, "The Business pages of The Royal Gazette almost daily reports on the significant insurance industry. So many see its growth and want to know how they can participate in it.

"The really motivated ones stick with the courses, and eventually get into the industry -- some after just one course. But these are people who understand the value of continuing education and re-training.'' A dozen Bermuda Insurance Diploma's from the BII will be awarded at the Wednesday luncheon, together with awards from the IIA, the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and the American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters.