More than 30 Year Six students at Northlands Primary spent two days this week learning about careers while shadowing adults in the working world.

Guidance counsellor at the school Pam Maybury said the work shadowing programme had been in existence for several years and was designed to expose young people to various jobs.

"It's great for them to be aware of the working world,'' Ms Maybury said this week from her office. "That's what we do anyway -- prepare them for work.'' She added: "They should get career awareness as they mature.'' Ms Maybury said the students returned to the school with glowing praise of their exposure and found respect for the people they shadowed, some of whom were their parents.

Students shadowed teachers at Northlands, Berkeley Institute, and CedarBridge Academy. Several spent the day at Endsmeet veterinary clinic, a law firm, and with the Corporation of Hamilton.

Ten-year-old Ashley Conyers shadowed Member of Parliament and author Dale Butler as he went about his duties as training director of the Little Venice Group of restaurants.

The Royal Gazette caught up with them at a seminar on human rights in Bermuda conducted by Human Rights Commission director Kenneth Dill at Cafe Lido on Elbow Beach.

Mr. Butler -- a former teacher and headmaster -- said he was pleased to have a budding teacher and writer along for the day, and hoped more adults took part in the programme.

"What she will be doing is visiting all of the offices and restaurants in the chain,'' he said. "That's all of the kitchens and catering departments. and we will have lunch at the Little Venice Restaurant.'' Of her day with Mr. Butler, Asley said: "Yes I'm really enjoying it. I enjoyed visiting the restaurant's kitchens. That was the most fun.''