work experience programme for fifth formers.

The Belmont Hotel & Golf Club, which agreed to participate in the Warwick Secondary School careers programme three years ago, is already reaping the benefits, announced assistant manager Mr. Garry Burgess this week.

A number of former participants have returned to work at the hotel full-ime or are currently enrolled in related Bermuda College courses, he said.

Warwick Secondary School students, who are contemplating pursuing a career in the hotel business, spend one day a week working at the Belmont in departments that interest them.

"I thought it was important for young Bermudians to know that the hotel business is a full-career industry,'' Mr. Burgess said.

"It is the only industry in Bermuda that provides a whole spectrum of job opportunities from lawyers, accountants and managers to computer programmers.

But it is not always projected as that.'' And he said it was an opportunity to train future employees and prepare them for the rigours of the workplace.

"It is difficult at that age for them to come into a business after the relaxed rules at school. But the students have worked very hard,'' Mr. Burgess said.

"Most of them have a set idea of what they want to do, whether they want to be a chef or a secretary in the years to come.'' Students are not paid but earn credits at the end of the year for good work and attendance.

Deputy principal of Warwick Secondary School Mr. Earl Hart said students return to school with valuable skills learnt in the workplace.

"They derive tremendous benefits from it,'' he said. "The experience of being out there means they are more confident and self-reliant. And to some degree they carry that back to the classroom with them.

"They can relate their classroom experiences with real life and learn about work ethics which is very valuable to them when they leave.'' Golf enthusiast Shawn Wade, 16, who one day wants to run his own golf course, said working at the Belmont Hotel golf shop gave him an insight into the business aspect of the job.

"I've really seen the other side of the business, doing paper work, making reservations and tee times,'' he said. "It will most definitely be good for my resume.'' Algina Warner, 16, who works on reception, said she is hoping to go into management.

"It is teaching me a lot about the outside world and how to run a hotel. It is also good experience for running any business,'' she said.

CAREER BOUND -- Warwick Secondary School fifth formers Algina Warner and Shawn Wade enjoy their day release programme at the Belmont Hotel.