There are 19 mechanics at HWP Group but only two are Bermudian.

That is going to change as the company has started its own apprenticeship scheme that will, within five years, produce enough trained mechanics to do away with the need for the company to seek foreign employees.

At the moment the programme is a company-inspired initiative, although it is hoped the National Training Board and others might link-up in support.

HWP management sees no reason why all its mechanics cannot be Bermudians. In the past a career as a garage mechanic has tended to be looked down upon by parents seeking a "higher calling" for their offspring.

But in today's world a mechanic is a technician familiar with not only the mechanical aspect of a vehicle, but also its electronic and computerised systems.

That kind of skill pays well. A junior entry mechanic can quickly earn a middle-ranking wage in the mid-$60,000s and aspire to a position in the service and repair workshop that brings home an annual pay of $100,000 or more.

Apart from "doing the right thing" by training up a Bermudian workforce, the long-term economics also make sense for HWP. Bringing in foreign workers on permits actually costs the company $10,000 to $12,000 in the initial months. It then has to find replacements when those workers leave and arrange new work permits and relocations.

Fernando Oliveira, HWP assistant vice-president, said there are already two apprentices who have embarked upon college training in North America as part of the company's apprenticeship programme.

The Automotive Service Training Programme (ASTP) will admit five apprentices each year, who will study for three-years to become junior mechanics. The training will involve college work and time split between theoretical training classes with HWP's technical trainer Lenny Henderson, "hands-on" work on vehicles with a certified HWP technician and a online training through the Honda Online University.

Mr. Henderson said using the Honda Online University meant the apprentices were exposed to vehicle maintenance for 11 brands of cars, not just Honda.

The apprentices also get a real-life grounding as they are able to strip-down wrecked cars kept at the HWP compound to their bare shells before the vehicles are scrapped, allowing them to see exactly where car components are rather than simply learning from pictures and diagrams.

At various stages, as they achieve competence in aspects of automotive mechanics, the apprentices will collect recognised certification.

Mr. Oliveira said: "The apprentices like the system — it is hands-on and they are not bored."

Former CedarBridge student Raymond Butterfield, 18, is one of the apprentices-in-waiting. For the past three summers he has helped out at the HWP garage. He now intends to become a full time mechanic and is going back into adult education this September to achieve his GED certificate and then enrol on the HWP apprenticeship programme.

He said: "Bermuda is really slacking in formal apprenticeships. I'm really interested in this and I'm getting the opportunity to do things I never had before. Today I just repaired a (car) radiator."

Another of the apprentices is 31-year-old Zico Hewey, who said he was an example of it "never being too late" to pursue a career and training.

Mr. Hewey added: "I have mechanic talents and now have an opportunity to bring out those talents. I enjoy it. Since I started I have learned a lot and I now look forward to coming to work. Every day that I have been here I have learned something."

HWP's president and CEO Jonathan Brewin said: "There is a real need in Bermuda for highly skilled automotive technicians, and apprenticeship is an ideal way to gain the experience necessary to enjoy a stimulating career in the automotive industry.

"A career as an automotive technician offers endless possibilities for professional growth and development."

Anyone interested in more information about the HWP training programme should contact Mr. Oliveira on 295-5000.