THIS summer, The Fairmont Southampton and The Fairmont Hamilton Princess engaged its largest group of summer student interns in recent years - 53 at Southampton and 20 at Hamilton to comprise 73 students in all. The students worked in 13 Fairmont departments including, front desk, housekeeping, landscaping, accounts, reservations and food & beverage. The company thanked and congratulated the up-and-coming hoteliers at two receptions held this past week.

"The summer programme has been a strategic approach to help us to build a relationship with young Bermudians," explained Nelda Simons, regional director of human resources for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Bermuda. "Significant numbers of our students studying in diverse fields return to us year over year. We've also found that the experience is having an impact on students' future careers. At The Fairmont Hamilton Princess alone, half of our students are now studying hospitality."

Minister of Education, Randolph Horton who is also the Director of Training at The Fairmont Hamilton Princess was present to thank the Hamilton-based summer students: "I congratulate all of you for successfully completing the summer student programme. This is a great opportunity to learn and develop in the hospitality industry. In the future, we all will benefit from your understanding of the hospitality industry and its importance to Bermuda."