Bermuda College will host an open house on Saturday to help employees learn how to "fireproof" their jobs.

The event is geared at those in the business administration and hospitality sectors and will provide information on how to get additional certification and diplomas.

It will include programmes such as hospitality, office administration, office skills, office assistants, accounting assistants, computer network administration, computer network technology, culinary arts and food & beverage management.

Gerald Begeman, the event organiser, said it will last four hours and will educate people about short diploma or certificate programmes that could make the difference when employers are forced to cut back staff and have to choose between employees.

"Having a certificate or diploma in office administration or office skills shows an employer that you have gone the extra mile to prepare yourself academically and professionally, and are serious about your employment. Bermuda is not much different to other jurisdictions, now, where the job market is tighter and leaner.

"We had one administrative assistant position at the college recently, and received more than 70 applications. People need to think about what they have, other than a high school diploma that will make them stand out in a crowded applicant pool. The College's diploma and certificate programmes will do that."

Mr. Begeman continued: "With the downturn in the economy, a lot of people are wanting to make sure that they're more prepared and have credentials for the positions they hold. This would be an opportunity to complete their training or to get some kind of credentials. We have had open houses before. This is requiring registration and is more focused on business, hospitality, web development and culinary. With the closings of several hotels here, we have had hospitality managers come for upgrading and certification."

The open house will be free but preregistration is required for classroom space and catering numbers. Mr Begeman said one unique feature of the event will be actual mini-classes and hands-on experiences, allowing registrants to get used to being back in the classroom.

"There are academic and other support resources, including tutors available absolutely free of charge There's not a better time, nor a better way for persons to either protect their jobs or properly prepare themselves if they find themselves in a position where they need to start looking for one. Of course, there are no guarantees, but it certainly pays to prepare as much as one can."

The Open House will be in Hallett Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To pre-register, contact Emma Williams at 239-4087 or ewilliams@college.bm.