Bermuda College culinary students prepared and served a four-course meal for several Progressive Labour Party politicians last week.

A government spokeswoman said students within the Prospect Dining Room Service served David Burt, Zane DeSilva, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Housing and Municipalities, education minister Crystal Caesar, Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, and others last week.

She added that the service, held every Friday during the academic term, allows students “to apply their classroom learning in a live setting, refining culinary and service skills while serving members of the public”.

David Sam, president of Bermuda College, said: “The occasion provided a wonderful opportunity to showcase our culinary arts students within the hospitality programmes to government leaders.

“The students performed exceptionally well in the preparation and presentation of their meals and we are confident that they are well prepared to contribute at a professional level within our hotels and other food service establishments.”

Mr Burt commended the students, saying: “Bermuda's tourism and hospitality sector needs trained Bermudians, and programmes like this are producing them.

“The quality of the food and the level of service on Friday spoke for itself, and it is a credit to the instructors and to the students.

“This government is committed to investing in young people, and that is why this year's budget increased funding for education, including programmes at Bermuda College.”

Ms Caesar said the development of signature schools and dual enrolment opportunities within Bermuda College create “clearer pathways for students to gain early exposure and real experience in key industries”.

She added: “Experiences like this show what is possible when education and industry are aligned.”

Ann Parsons, dean of the division of business, hospitality and technical education, noted that the college is expanding its culinary arts, hospitality and tourism offerings, including two new certificate programmes in the autumn.

The spokeswoman said the school’s culinary programmes are accredited by the American Culinary Federation and that the college “continues to prepare Bermudians for careers in one of the island’s key industries, equipping students with the skills and experience needed to succeed”.