A record number of over 700 individuals participated in the online foundational insurance course offered for free to the Bermudian public through the sponsorship of the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers (ABIR).
ABIR collaborated with Bermuda College and the Maurice R Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance, and Actuarial Science at St John’s University, New York, to deliver the Special Topics in Insurance program for the fourth consecutive year.
As per a news release, participants included students, career changers, and those interested in learning more about the international industry driving Bermuda’s economy.
The 14-week program featured more than 20 speakers, many from ABIR member companies, covering various re/insurance topics. Students and the public could register for the entire course or individual sessions, with over 500 people logging on for one of the presentations.
The course material aimed to provide a foundation in basic industry knowledge and a potential pathway to a re/insurance career.
The course also included an in-person speed networking event at O’Hara House for the first time. This event allowed up to 100 participants to meet industry professionals, ask questions, explore career paths, and establish connections.
John Huff (pictured above), CEO of ABIR, expressed gratitude for the community’s support and hailed the program’s success.
“The popularity of the course reflects strong interest in the re/insurance industry, an interest we are happy to feed through ABIR’s sponsorship of this course. By enabling free and open access to foundational insurance education, this course supports ABIR members’ commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workforce,” Huff said.
He also thanked Bermuda College, St John’s University, and the volunteer presenters from ABIR member companies for their contributions.
Necheeka Trott, acting vice president of Academic & Student Affairs at Bermuda College, highlighted the partnership’s benefits.
“The comprehensive Special Topics in Insurance course not only fosters a deeper understanding of insurance/reinsurance but also promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field. The addition of a networking session enhances the initiative’s appeal, enabling direct engagement with industry experts and empowering students towards re/insurance careers,” Trott said.
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