The Bermuda Hospitality Institute is nearly finished its first summer internship programme.

The scheme was designed to provide high school and first-year college students with an inside view of the hospitality industry the second pillar of Bermuda's economy.

The four-week programme, which ends shortly before Cup Match, aims to help students establish soft skills such as punctuality, appropriate workplace attire and behaviour. As part of the programme, participants were also placed in a hospitality job for two weeks.

Sixteen-year-old Berkeley student Brooke Caisey is interested in the industry. She hopes to "bring Bermuda's kind hospitality back".

"I enjoyed the learning experience and was fascinated by the fact that even though employment at the Fort St. Catherine tourist destination is totally different than being employed at the L.F. Wade International Airport Department of Airport Operations, they both require the same skills: a good attitude, people skills and the ability to think on your feet."

As part of the programme Brooke worked at the Fairmont Southampton Resort and Greg's Steakhouse. The number one thing she learnt, she said, was "you must always be prepared and organised".

Warwick Academy student Kori White,16, said she also learnt a lot.

"When working in the hospitality industry, being prepared and staying calm is important. And you have to be hard working and passionate about your job in order to survive."

Kori particularly enjoyed her experience working at the front desk at Grotto Bay Beach Resort, and said: "Helping guests gives you a sense of accomplishment knowing that you potentially saved them from a whole lot of trouble."

Gary Simmons, 16, said he realised maintaining a cool head was necessary in hospitality.

The Bermuda Institute student, who has been offered a job by one of the companies he visited, said he learnt a lot from a talk they had with Island Restaurant Group president Phillip Barnett. "He told us attitude and intensity are the main parts of your character," Gary said. "Skill and knowledge can be taught, but without the attitude and intensity you cannot gain the knowledge and skill."

The BHI officially launched in April and is located in the Bermuda Hotel Association building on King Street. Since it has opened its doors people have been coming in looking for help, said BHI CEO Karla Lacey.

The programme received a Government grant this year. Ms Lacey said next year they will be looking to members for funding.

The BHI's board of directors is Allan Trew, E. Michael Jones, Miriam Johnston, Nelda Simons, Greg Wilson, Carlita O'Brien and Kevin Monkman.

The second session of the Summer Hospitality Programme will run from August 2 until August 27. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the Bermuda Hospitality Institute on 295-5049 or info@bhi.bm.