wanted to be involved with young Bermudian students and help them develop a favourable outlook on the hotel industry, according to human resources director Mrs. Teri Seymour. "We want to be involved with the community by offering students internships in the hotel so they can develop positive feelings toward the industry,'' she said. The resort invited 16 final year Sandys students to take part in a two-week internship in June last year while awaiting their exam results. The unpaid work programme, which was initially suggested by school guidance counsellor Mr. Walter Stevens, resulted in several students being offered jobs in the summer. And one student applied for a full time job in the engineering department. Mrs. Seymour said the students were so eager to stay on, the hotel had created jobs for them. "All of them were interested and motivated,'' she said. "One student came for just the last two days because her friends had been raving about it and she wanted to see what it was like.'' The students worked in the hotel's kitchens, housekeeping, engineering, purchasing, accounts and food and beverage departments. Marcel Dill, 17, said the experience he gained as a bar porter had helped him prepare for his ultimate career goal. "I want to be a physical education teacher. This job has helped prepare me for that because I had to find different ways to deal with problems.'' Charlie Simms, 18, who wants to go into the culinary trade, said he found the programme exciting. "Working in the kitchen at Sonesta has taught me several important tricks of the trade,'' he said. For example, "I learned that when you are cutting a cake, always put the knife in hot water first for a cleaner cut.'' The 16 students celebrated the end of their two week internship at Sonesta with a special lunch attended by Education Minister the Hon. Clarence Terceira. "The programme shows them what it is like to be an adult in Bermuda,'' Dr. Terceira said. Headmaster Mr.

Melvyn Bassett said it was "vital for students to have a chance to participate in our bread and butter industry''. Mrs. Seymour said the hotel hoped to continue the venture and maybe expand it to include a day-release programme. "I don't think (students) realise all (the hotel industry) has to offer,'' she said. "The internship gives them an opportunity to see if working in a hotel is what they want.'' She added: "Once the hotel re-opens, we're very much looking forward to continue working with them. The students loved the programme and they were very helpful.'' PHOTO GOOD ADVICE -- Sandy's Secondary student Charlie Simms (right) gets some tips in Sonesta Beach Hotel's kitchen.