Bermuda’s talent pipeline bolstered with ILS Bermuda–Bermuda College Partnership
Back in October, a group of Bermuda College students attended this year’s Convergence conference, hosted by ILS Bermuda. Their attendance marked a year-long journey of mentorship, skill-building and educational experiences that opened doors to Bermuda’s re/insurance and ILS sectors.
Since 2017, ILS Bermuda and Bermuda College have partnered to offer an immersive programme that brings students into the heart of one of Bermuda’s most important industries. What began as an invitation to attend the annual Convergence conference has evolved into a comprehensive, eight-module, year-round curriculum that combines classroom learning with real-world exposure, professional coaching and paid career opportunities.
This year’s cohort included students from actuarial science, business, marketing, economics and insurance. Their attendance at the Hamilton Princess from October 13–15 forms part of a year-long industry engagement mastering business etiquette, refining résumés, practising interviews, building LinkedIn profiles, attending student-led Lunch & Learn sessions and receiving tailored mentorship from industry professionals.
Alongside these opportunities, this new cohort is working towards undertaking paid internships in the ILS and reinsurance space next summer, supported by several local companies in the ILS space.
The programme’s mentorship initiative, which was recently updated and expanded, has become one of the most impactful elements. Students work one-on-one with industry mentors who guide them through everything from scholarship strategies and university selection to interview preparation and broader career development. Alumni of the programme have credited these relationships with shaping their goals, and in some cases, changing the trajectory of their lives.
The programme’s internship module remains its most sought-after feature, offering six- to eight-week paid summer positions along with shorter work-shadowing placements. This year, six companies are providing fully paid internships, including Ascot, Allied World, Price Forbes Re, Marsh, the Bermuda Monetary Authority and Hiscox ILS.
For many students, these internships are pivotal. Several have continued working part-time during the academic year and received additional bursaries and mentorship.
Tim Tetlow, chair of the ILS Bermuda Education Committee, highlighted this bridge between education and industry: “We are committed to catalysing Bermuda College students’ chances of future employment, as well as creating invaluable network connections for students through mentorship, Lunch and Learns, and of course, the internships.”
Victoria Cunningham, executive director at The Bermuda Foundation For Insurance Studies (BFIS), added: “As a mentor, lecturer, and member of the ILS Bermuda Education Committee, I see firsthand how transformative this programme is for Bermuda College students. What begins as curiosity quickly becomes confidence as they gain professional skills, industry knowledge, and a sense of belonging in our re/insurance and ILS community.
“As Executive Director of BFIS, I am especially proud to see so many of these students go on to secure scholarships and internships that change the trajectory of their lives. This programme is a powerful example of what is possible when industry comes together with purpose by opening doors, developing talent, and ensuring Bermuda College students are prepared to thrive in Bermuda’s future workforce.”
The success of the Bermuda College and ILS Bermuda partnership demonstrates the impact of targeted, sustained investment in Bermuda’s talent pipeline. Through structured mentorship, clear pathways into the industry, hands-on training, and professional exposure, the programme is cultivating a growing cadre of highly capable talent at a time when the jurisdiction, and the global market, needs it most.
Organisations interested in supporting or partnering for the 2025–2026 cohort are encouraged to connect with the ILS Bermuda Education Committee at ilsbdaeducationoutreach@gmail.com.
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