Premier Jennifer Smith personally thanked XL boss Brian O'Hara yesterday for his company's help in boosting technology training in senior schools.

And although the XL Education Initiative ends this month, a new Government-Private partnership known as B-TEC - the Bermuda Technology Education Collaborative - will continue the work of integrating information technology throughout the public school system.

Premier Smith said: "This will be a national education initiative led by a partnership across the public and private sectors and charged with continuing the work begun by the XL Education Initiative."

She said the XL Education Initiative had created a world-class computer science curriculum for senior school students, combining formal study with hands-on training which she said was vital to help students succeed in the modern workplace.

She added: "The initiative has also infused IT into all subject areas and has supported teachers by providing comprehensive professional development training.

"Meanwhile students have had the opportunity to become involved in engaging and exciting projects.

"Digital Bermuda will result in a digital historical archive for Bermuda that will be shared with the local community and history students around the world via the Internet.

"In addition to this, the Parent Involvement Programme has encouraged parents to join their children in learning, sending a clear and consistent message of its value."

She gave Mr. O'Hara a citation for his company's work.

He said: "It's only a beginning. The real proof will come when we start turning out young people in the workforce who are highly competitive on a world stage."