There?s no need for Bermuda?s future mechanics to practice their skills on old wrecks and outdated models now that a brand new $25,000 car has been shipped to the Island solely for training purposes at CedarBridge Academy.

Not only is the red Honda FIT compact car an up-to-date model, it has a combination of manual operations and hi-tech computerised systems on which students will be able to develop knowledge and skills to transfer immediately into the current work market.

So much so that Jonathan Brewin, president of HWP Group who donated the vehicle, said he expected some of the students who learn mechanics using the car will come to his company for jobs when they graduate.

?We shall be following this up with some intensive training support both on the internet and hard copy training manuals and giving the students access to parts,? said Mr. Brewin.

?And we look forward to hearing about their achievements and look forward to being able to recruit them in years to come.?

That tangible goal, giving young Bermudians the chance to learn a practical hands-on vocation that will make them instantly employable in the world-wide jobs market, is something that excites Education Minister Terry Lister, who was also present at the hand-over of the car to the Academy.

?We have these companies who want to see Bermudians come and work for them. What we want now is a cycle company to come and give us a small bike and a big bike and say they want to hire the people who can work on those bikes. It?s win win all round,? he said, adding it was important there is a close link between the world of academia and industry to allow students to focus on learning skills of real value in the workplace.

Automotive engineer instructor Charles Dudi Nelson has no doubt the new training car, which was carried to the Island free of charge by BEST shipping, will greatly benefit his students.

?This car is very relevant to today?s industry and it will give the students the edge when they go out into the world where they are going to get to work on new vehicles. They will be hitting the ground running,? he said.

The car?s electronic and computerised systems also dovetail into the remit of design and technology instructor Karen Edwards-Simmons who said students would have a hands-on opportunity to learn computerised diagnostics, such as plugging in a computer to monitor the responsiveness of brakes, identical to the techniques used by HWP car technicians.

National Training board executive director Michael Stowe was also present at the hand-over ceremony, as was CedarBridge Principal Kalmar Richards, who said: ?I?m excited by this because it will enhance our technical education programme.

?Students can now gain first-hand experience of working on a car that will be similar to what happens in the real world today.

?I?m sure that this will be stimulating and motivating for the students.?