the Bermuda College this fall.

The news came yesterday from Labour and Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness.

He originally announced the training scheme in July and revealed that it was part of a plan to cut down the number of expatriate waiting staff on the Island.

At the same time it emerged that at the end of May waiting became a category of employment that was closed to overseas workers -- except in exceptional circumstances where every effort had been made to employ a Bermudian.

Preference should be given to Bermudians in employment, said Mr. Edness, while ensuring that Bermuda business flourished.

Around 400 of the 600-plus waiting jobs on the Island are currently held by foreign labour, he pointed out.

Mr. Edness said complaints were being received from Bermudians who felt they were being denied employment in the Island's hotels and restaurants. The excuse they were often given was that they were not trained, he added.

Yesterday he said the first semester of the new course for waiters and waitresses would concentrate on classroom work with the second dedicated to on the job training.

Those students who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate for their efforts.

Mr. Edness said the course would continue for the next few years and added that he expected about 40 students to participate in the programme each year.

He said the course was "well supported by the industry''.

And he stressed that being a waiter was a respectable job.

"I know many people who have educated themselves from being waiters,'' he said.

"It is not subservient, its providing a professional service,'' Mr. Edness added.