Armed with the intent to better prepare college students for the oft-time intimidating working world, businessman William Spriggs is set to offer the Real World Student Success Strategies Workshop on July 17 at the Ruth Seaton James Auditorium.

With the topics `Building Your Success Team, Speak UP', `Win, show Me the Money' and `Making the Right Career Moves' set to be discussed, Mr. Spriggs said the subject matter was chosen after putting his ear to the ground.

"We created this unique first-time event after listening to many students say what they wanted to learn more about," the former general manager of the Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation told The Royal Gazette. "These topics will be especially pertinent to those entering the working world for the first time."

Along with Mr. Spriggs, financial advisor Antionette Bolden and career counsellor Derek Smith will be conducting the free workshops to the students.

Keeping in mind that music plays such an integral part of Bermudian youths' lives, Mr. Spriggs took the decision to add some form of entertainment between each workshop break. Up to $2,000 worth of prizes will also be given out throughout the day.

"After each session we will have various acts which are being co-ordinated by Gina Spence-Farmer. Popular deejay Malcolm `Lethal Weapon' Smith will also be playing music through the day," he said.

As he said the workshops were open to all students - ranging from high school seniors to college graduates - Mr. Spriggs promised all who attend will depart with a wealth of knowledge: "We are hoping that students will walk away with a real strategies and ideas to better navigate the workplace. Students need to be empowered at an earlier age."

As he said he was hoping 600 students would attend the workshops, Mr. Spriggs implored all employers to allow their summer students to be a part of the event.

"We are even asking the Government to allow their college students to attend," he said.

Anyone interested in attending the Real World Success Strategies Workshop on July 17 are asked to pick up registration forms at the National Training Board, Training and Employment Services or The Bermuda Careers Centre, all of whom are sponsoring the free event.

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For further details call 234-5231 or e-mail enquiries to studentsuccesstherock.bm..