At least 100 local restaurant servers will be offered specialised training to dish up the distinctive brand of Bermuda hospitality from the 1970s and 80s.

Bermuda College is aiming to bring back memories from the tourism industry’s glory days with the project in partnership with the Bermuda Tourism Authority, the Bermuda Hospitality Institute, the Department of Workforce Development, and the Restaurant Division of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce.

Tawana Flood, director of the college’s Professional and Career Education programme, said in a statement: “Our goal is to establish a sustainable programme for the training, upgrading or refreshing of the skills necessary for success in this sector of the industry.

“It will ensure that participants who complete the rigorous programme are best positioned for success.

“We have been impressed with the commitment and engagement of industry and stakeholder partners.

“It’s no secret that when you look at the landscape of restaurant service in our hotels and restaurants today, it’s very different than it was in the heyday of the tourism and hospitality industries in Bermuda.

“We believe we can build on the success that we enjoyed previously by combining the inherent warmth and genuineness of our local culture with the global professional skill set that comes as a by-product of external certification. Bermuda will rise to the top once again.”

BHI CEO Malika Musson stated: “The island’s increase in tourism signals potential growth opportunities for the food and beverage sector, and with growth comes expanding employment opportunities. The sector remains very viable for those seeking full or part-time employment.”

Programme coordinator at Pace, Romeo Ruddock, said training will be offered on a rolling basis, with the first cohort of 15 expected to start in January. The six-week programme is also expected to include an apprenticeship component.

“This has been in the works for the past year, and we are so excited about the possibilities ahead,” he said.

“The first 20 to sign up with can choose their training period.

An information session takes place in the North Hall at 6pm next Tuesday.

Neither prior experience nor formal qualifications are required, but personal integrity and attitude are must-haves.

Contact the Pace Office at padmin@college.bm or recruitment officer Thaao Dill at tdill@college.bm.