13 Students Earn ILS Programme Certificates
Ayinde Bulford, Rickai Burrows, Tiye Holmes, Tre McCallan, Akiiki Nyabongo, Jordan Parker, Cyannah Pereira, Christopher Pitcher, Sydney Santos, Deontae Scott, Margarida Simas, Camille Stephens and J’Auri Talbot have completed the ILS Bermuda College Programme.
A spokesperson said, “ILS Bermuda is proud to announce that thirteen Bermuda College students have successfully completed the 2025–2026 ILS Bermuda College Programme, earning the programme’s second-ever Completion Certificate. The initiative, which aims to expose students to Bermuda’s globally respected insurance, reinsurance and Insurance-Linked Securities [ILS] sectors, combines real-world experience, professional development, and industry mentorship to help young students forge pathways into the island’s risk industry.
“The certificate recognises outstanding achievement in insurance education and career readiness. Students recognised in this year’s cohort are: Ayinde Bulford, Rickai Burrows, Tiye Holmes, Tre McCallan, Akiiki Nyabongo, Jordan Parker, Cyannah Pereira, Christopher Pitcher, Sydney Santos, Deontae Scott, Margarida Simas, Camille Stephens and J’Auri Talbot.
“To earn the Certificate of Completion, students undertook a six-module programme that included training in business etiquette and professional conduct, one-on-one mentorship, participation at the ILS Convergence conference, development of resumés, LinkedIn profiles and social media presence, interview preparation through mock interview sessions, and strategies for applying to scholarships and industry internships.
“Students also had the opportunity to take part in several Lunch and Learn sessions, which offered informal career discovery conversations with professionals from across the risk industry.
“In addition, seven students from the programme secured competitive summer internships with leading ILS and re/insurance organisations, including the Bermuda Monetary Authority, Hiscox ILS, Marsh Management Services, Price Forbes Re, Chubb and Liberty Mutual.
“Student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the experience as transformative.”
“This program really broadened my horizons and introduced me to new perspectives on business and the business world as a whole. This summer, I also had the opportunity to intern with Liberty Mutual in the Excess Casualty Department, which I honestly don’t think would have been possible without this program,” said Tiye Holmes.
Tre McCallan said, “One of the most valuable aspects of the program was the opportunity to hear directly from industry professionals and engage in meaningful discussions that brought the industry to life beyond the classroom. The mentorship component especially helped me turn those insights into something personal and actionable for my own development. Attending the ILS Convergence Conference was also a defining part of the experience, as it connected many of the concepts we explored throughout the program to the real-world decisions and relationships that shape the industry today.”
A spokesperson added, ”Since 2017, ILS Bermuda has partnered with Bermuda College to deliver this unique educational opportunity. The programme runs alongside students’ academic studies and is exclusively open to full-time or dual-enrollment Bermuda College students. It is designed and delivered entirely by a team of dedicated volunteers from across the ILS and re/insurance sectors.”
“We believe in creating access, confidence and opportunity for Bermuda’s young people,” said Hanni Ali, Chair of ILS Bermuda. “At the heart of our education initiatives are the strong relationships we build with students, mentors, and industry partners. We are immensely proud of this year’s graduates and thankful to the organizations that have once again offered internships, providing students with valuable opportunities to develop their knowledge and experience within the industry.”
Victoria Cunningham, ILS Bermuda Education Chair added: “This programme is about far more than learning about insurance or ILS, it is about helping students see themselves in the industry and giving them the confidence, skills and connections to pursue opportunities they may never have imagined possible. Watching this year’s cohort grow professionally over the course of the programme has been incredibly rewarding, and we are grateful to the mentors and partner organisations who continue to invest in Bermuda’s next generation of talent.”
A spokesperson added, “Looking ahead, ILS Bermuda will be accepting expressions of interest for the 2026–2027 ILS Bermuda College Programme and is calling on professionals across the sector to volunteer as mentors or mock interviewers. Industry organisations interested in hosting a student intern in summer 2026 or 2027 are also encouraged to get in touch.
“Interested students or industry supporters can contact the ILS Bermuda Education Committee at ilsbdaeducationoutreach@gmail.com.”
