More than 150 students turned out at the Hamilton Princess last night with resumes in hand to show local employers they had the makings of ideal summer employees.

The secondary students from CedarBridge Academy and Berkeley Institute represented only a fraction of the more than 800 students who have signed up for the Government's Summer Employment Programme for 2001. The programme is run through Training and Employment Services.

The students mingled with representatives from roughly 70 local businesses at a reception and presentation launching this year's programme.

Director of Human Affairs Major Kenneth Dill told The Royal Gazette that some of the students were even distributing their own computer-generated business cards.

Major Dill said the programme was intended to find employment for the students for two months in the summer and possibly lead to part-time day release employment during the next school year as well.

Terry Greene, the Manager of Training and Employment Services, said that his department matches the students with employers based on skill levels, employers needs and students future educational and employment goals.

Last year, the department was disappointed however when only 42 of 886 students registered for the programme found employment in the private sector.

"Meanwhile Government employed 212 registered students,'' said Major Dill.

"This year we hope the private sector will at least match that.'' Major Dill said that students can be hired for jobs ranging from data entry to hospitality and clerical positions to computer programming.

"We already have ten registered students who have developed their own websites,'' he said.

Development and Opportunity Minister Terry Lister was also on hand for the reception. The Minister encouraged employers to support the summer student programme and cited it as a good example of partnering between Government and the private sector.

Those interested in registering for the programme are encouraged to contact the SEP Coordinator at 297-7714.