Four students have been awarded education bursaries worth $10,000 each.

Destynie Mallory, Shuntelle Paynter, Jodi Ming and Kobe Richardson were named as recipients of the Public Service Bursary.

They are studying in the fields of forensic psychology, clinical mental health counselling, real estate, and building and construction management, respectively.

Lovitta Foggo, Minister for the Cabinet Office with Responsibility for Government Reform, made the presentations on Wednesday.

Ms Mallory attended the event and the parents of the other recipients claimed their awards.

Ms Foggo said the bursaries ensured “a well-trained cadre of people to fill positions within the public service”.

She added: “Ultimately, our aim is to attract, develop, motivate, and retain a quality talent pool that is committed to the highest standards of excellence. In order to do that, this government will continue to dedicate its budgetary and career development resources to the Public Service Bursary Award programme.”

Ten students received the awards — the four new recipients, plus six previously announced winners who will get additional funding. Ms Foggo said the scheme had supported many young Bermudians studying in a variety of fields.

She added: “In accordance with the requirements of the bursary scheme, many of these former students have taken up posts within the public service upon completion of their studies and become invaluable resources to the people of Bermuda.”

Ms Foggo said the Government was committed to developing local talent to prepare them for careers in the public service.

She added: “There are many occupation groups in the Bermuda Government requiring varying levels of education and training.

“Some of these areas are deemed hard to fill, meaning that there is a known limited talent pool with expertise in the specific area available on-island and in some cases there could exist a global shortage of trained resources.”

The awards scheme provides as many as 14 scholarships annually to Bermudians pursuing postsecondary academic qualifications.