NTB

Application Process

Policy Statement: All individuals, requesting sponsorship under this Programme, must complete application forms providing information upon which a decision can be made.

All requests for training assistance must be made in writing on the appropriate applications form. The information contained on the application form is used by the National Training Board to make decisions on individuals to be awarded assistance.

The application process commences on April 1st each year (May 1st for 2011 only), with the issue of the applications which must be completed submitted with all the required information by May 31st (June 17th for 2011 only). The applications are reviewed by NTB staff who checks to ensure that the applications are completed, as required, and contain all the information that is requested and that all the relevant documents are attached.

The applications are submitted to the Education Awards Committee of the National Training Board which selects the successful applicants and presents them to the Board for ratification. There is no obligation on the part of the National Training Board to provide reasons for rejecting applications.

All applicants are advised about the status of their applications.

Eligibility Criteria

Policy Statement: All applicants must meet the established criteria to be eligible for training under this Programme.

To be considered for the NTVT awards, an applicant must:

• Be Bermudian or the spouse of a Bermudian within the meaning as used in the Bermuda Immigration ad Protection Act, 1956 and must provide a Letter of Confirmation of Bermudian status from the Department of Immigration;
• Submit resumes, diplomas, certificates and official grade transcripts from the last institutions of learning as proof of having met the standards for graduation;
• Produce a letter confirming acceptance in an accredited course;
• Supply the name of the technical college/university, address and the name of a contact person;
• Describe the programme, credit hours and the cost; and
• Produce bank references, indicating additional sources of funding as applicants are required to fund the costs for food, accommodation, medical coverage, books etc.

Orientation Programme

Policy statement: Prior to commencing the academic portion of the programme of the on the job training, the trainee must attend the Apprentice Orientation Programme (AOP) delivered by the National Training Board.

The Programme, which is usually for three days, provides information on:

• The expectations and obligations that the trainee is expected to meet in terms of behaviour, academic performance, training costs etc.
• Work ethics, i.e. time keeping etc;
• Nature of changes in technology;
• Customer relations for service technicians;
• The role of the National Training Board under the National Training Board Act 1997; and
• The role of the employer.

Funding arrangements

Policy statement: The National Training Board and the trainee must share in the training cost and it is anticipated that by having to contribute to its total cost, the trainee will apply himself completely to the training programme.

The National Training Board pays up to $18,000 for tuition toward a degree programme for the first two years of training at a technical institution, i.e. $9,000 annually, with the tuition fee paid directly to the institution.

The trainee is required to contribute to the cost of training and to pay for accommodation and food, medical insurance and books.

Continued Funding

Continued funding support by the National Training Board is based upon satisfactory performance in the quarterly or semester basis. The sponsored trainee must successfully pass the first quarter or semester by achieving the required Grade Point Average or percentage. It is the responsibility of the sponsored trainee to provide or have the transcripts provided to the National Training Board, confirming the achievement of the GPA or the passing grade in order to secure continued funding from the National Training.

Re-imbursement of tuition fees

Policy statement: It is the right of the National Training Board to request repayment of tuition fees paid in respect to the academic portion of the training programme, if the trainee fails to complete the academic course or fails to accept a reasonable offer of employment.

The sponsored trainee may be required to reimburse the National Training Board for the tuition fees if he does not complete the academic portion of the training programme, or is he does not accept a reasonable offer of employment in his chosen occupation after completing the programme. The decision to request repayment of the tuition fees will be made by the Executive Officer who will take into consideration the circumstances under which the trainee has withdrawn from the programme.

For National Technical/ and Vocational Training Tuition
Assistance Programme

Funding Arrangements

Policy Statement: The National Training Board is responsible for funding only the tuition costs of the required training, whilst the trainee covers the cost for accommodation, living expenses, medical insurance and books.

The National Training Board provides $5,000 annually to cover the tuition cost for the trainee who is pursuing a degree for the duration of the course. The student must provide transcripts to the National Training Board before the tuition fees are paid in the subsequent years.

Re-imbursement of tuition fees

Policy Statement: It is the right of the National Training Board to request repayment of tuition fees to the training institution, if the sponsored student fails to complete the course or foes not work in the area of study.

If a graduate does not work in the areas of study, or if they withdraw from the course, he may be required to repay the cost of the institution. The Executive Officer will determine where the student must repay the tuition fees after taking into consideration the circumstances for not seeking employment in the chosen occupations or for withdrawal from the course.