The newly formed Bermuda Hospitality Institute is looking to give 36 teenagers a first hand look at the many professions available to them.

Karla Lacey, who is the first CEO of the Bermuda Hospitality Institute (BHI), sat down with The Royal Gazette yesterday to outline the Institute's first initiative, the Summer Hospitality Programme.

The programme will start on June 21 and has been designed to provide high school and first year college students with an inside view of the hospitality industry, which is the second pillar of Bermuda's economy.

The four-week programme will help students establish soft skills — such as punctuality, appropriate workplace attire and behaviour — and place them in a hospitality job for two weeks.

Yesterday Ms Lacey said: "The Summer Hospitality Programme aims to build an understanding of, and appreciation for, the wide range of positions and careers available throughout the hospitality industry in Bermuda.

"It will highlight the interconnections that exist throughout different sectors of the industry, while providing hands on training and job opportunities for participants.

"From marketing and communications and sports and wellness, to mechanical, engineering, accounting and human resources, the industry offers opportunities for every talent, skill and ability. Employers are looking forward to providing this unique inside view to their future workforce."

Ms Lacey said many people are not aware of how different sectors contribute to the Island's success as a tourism destination.

That is why she has included visits to Lindo's, where staff prepare grocery bags stocked with holiday treats and necessities for many of the Island's cottage colonies along South Shore. They will also head to Butterfield & Vallis wholesalers to learn how they meet the needs of Bermuda's restaurant and hotel kitchens, including food trends.

"I want students to realise that being involved in the tourism industry is not just about waiters and front desk managers," Ms Lacey said. "Did you know the Fairmont Southampton has its own garage to maintain their fleet of vehicles? A young person who likes to use their hands can work there and be part of tourism."

The BHI's Summer Hospitality Programme is similar to ones run in the international business sector and Ms Lacey said she hopes that by focusing on younger students she will be able to capture and keep their interest in hospitality.

There will be three sessions of the programme this summer admitting a maximum of 12 students between the ages of 16 and 18. The first starts June 21, the second July 5 and the third starts on August 2.

Each session consists of two weeks of soft skills and industry specific training and job site visits, followed by a two-week work assignment at a business within the hospitality sector. There is a $100 registration fee; in return they will be paid $400 a week during their work placement.

"Requiring participants to contribute to their training costs helps to ensure they take this opportunity seriously," Ms Lacey said. "Once they have successfully completed the first two weeks, the return on their investment is guaranteed."

Participating employers include Grotto Bay Beach Resort, Newstead Belmont Hills, both Fairmont hotels, the Fresco Group of restaurants, Swizzle Inns, Beau Rivage, Cafe Amici, Hibiscus Room and Palm Court as well as industry suppliers Butterfield & Vallis and Lindo's Family Food.

Anyone interested in learning more about the programme should call the BHI at 295-5049.